Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab in Talks Over Mahrez's Future
Listen to the story
Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez is at the center of new transfer talk in Saudi Arabia's Roshn League.
According to reports, two Saudi clubs, Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab, are currently negotiating with Mahrez about a possible move.
Both clubs reportedly want to complete a deal before the transfer window closes. This is the limited period when clubs can sign new players.
The talks come amid wider speculation about Mahrez's future in Saudi football, where he has played since leaving Manchester City in 2023.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Inter Milan are reportedly looking for a replacement after one of their key stars is set to leave the club.
Inter have reportedly drawn up a list of five possible players to sign, and Mahrez's name is included alongside that of Federico Chiesa.
It remains unclear whether Mahrez will stay in Saudi Arabia, move to Inter, or choose another option entirely.
No final decision has been confirmed by any of the clubs involved so far.
The situation is expected to become clearer as the transfer window deadline approaches, with all parties reportedly working quickly to reach an agreement.
Fans and football analysts continue to follow the story closely, as any final choice would affect both the Saudi league and Inter's squad plans.
Vocabulary5 words
- transfer
- when a player moves from one club to another
- negotiating
- talking to reach an agreement
- transfer window
- the set time when clubs can buy or sell players
- replacement
- someone who takes the place of another person
- decision
- a final choice made after thinking
Quiz
Answer key
1. Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab 2. A key star is leaving the club 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez is at the center of new _____ talk in Saudi Arabia's Roshn League.
According to reports, two Saudi clubs, Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab, are currently _____ with Mahrez about a possible move.
Both clubs reportedly want to complete a deal before the _____ closes.
The talks come amid wider speculation about Mahrez's future in Saudi football, where he has played since leaving Manchester City in _____.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Inter Milan are reportedly looking for a _____ after one of their key stars is set to leave the club.
Inter have reportedly drawn up a list of five possible players to sign, and Mahrez's name is included alongside that of _____.
It remains unclear whether Mahrez will stay in Saudi Arabia, move to Inter, or choose another _____ entirely.
No final _____ has been confirmed by any of the clubs involved so far.
Discussion questions
- Why might a club want to negotiate a deal quickly before the transfer window closes?
- What factors do you think a player like Mahrez would consider before choosing a new club?
- Why do big clubs like Inter often prepare a list of several possible replacements?
- How might uncertainty about a star player's future affect fans and other players at a club?