According to Qatari media outlet WinWin, a player agent reportedly proposed the idea of signing Algerian right winger Riyad Mahrez to Wydad Casablanca’s management.
The report quickly spread across social media before the former Manchester City player responded to a post about the rumor on X.
Mahrez replied with an emoji that appeared to dismiss the claim, without offering any further explanation. His reaction seemingly rules out the possibility of the Algerian player joining the Red and Whites.
Beyond his response, several factors make such a move difficult to imagine.
At 35, Mahrez is in the latter stages of his career, while Wydad’s new management is looking to lower the average age of the squad and avoid repeating some of the decisions made last season, including the signings of Nordin Amrabat and Wissam Ben Yedder, two players recruited late in their careers whose performances ultimately fell short of expectations.
The financial aspect presents another obstacle. Wydad’s new leadership is also seeking to reduce the club’s wage bill, making the arrival of a player of Mahrez’s stature seemingly incompatible with the Red and Whites’ new direction.
Wydad also already have Hakim Ziyech in their squad. The two players have similar profiles: both are left-footed, accustomed to playing on the right wing and cutting inside.
While Mahrez was reportedly offered to Wydad by his agent, according to WinWin, his social media response, combined with the club’s new sporting and financial strategy, makes a move unlikely for now.
