Riyad Mahrez appears set to turn the page once more, with the former Algeria captain preparing for a move to Qatar after three months without a club following his exit from Al-Ahli at the start of July.
The 35-year-old winger has reached an agreement with Al-Shamal SC and is expected to sign a one-year contract, with an option for a further season. He has been training in Dubai with a fitness coach while finalising his next destination.
Mahrez is due to undergo a medical on Monday or Tuesday before completing the deal, provided there is no late change. His future had been uncertain after leaving Saudi Arabia, with retirement among the possibilities discussed and several European sides also linked with him.
A new chapter in Qatar
Al-Shamal offer Mahrez a side in strong early-season form. The club sit third in the Qatar Stars League after four matches and have secured a place in the Asian Champions League.
He would join familiar faces in the squad, including fellow Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah, former Lens forward Wesley Saïd and ex-Bordeaux defender Youssouf Sabaly.
Mahrez has made 119 appearances for Algeria and scored 40 international goals. He announced the end of his international career with the Fennecs after their World Cup last-16 elimination, leaving club football as the next stage of a long career that has taken him from England to Saudi Arabia and now, seemingly, Qatar.
