Riyad Mahrez signing a symbol of Al Ahli's remarkable transformation over past 12 months

Ten months ago, 32-year-old left-footed Algerian winger Riyad joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in a deal that was considered a coup for the Jeddah club, all things considered.

The Riyad in question was former Real Betis and Saint-Etienne player Riyad Boudebouz. At the time of his arrival, Al Ahli were just about to embark on their first campaign in the second tier of Saudi football, having suffered a humiliating relegation just six years after winning a third league title.

Fast forward to July 2023, another 32-year-old left-footed Algerian winger arrives in a stunning deal for the Jeddah powerhouse. This time it was the Manchester City’s magician Riyad Mahrez.

Just how much things have changed for Al Ahli within a year. In many ways their story is the perfect embodiment of the transformation engulfing Saudi football nowadays.

Boudebouz did his job perfectly, helping Al Ahli to a swift return to their natural habitat, but the real boost of fortunes, unthinkable a year ago, came with the acquisition of 75 per cent of the club by the Public Investments Fund (PIF) alongside fellow traditional heavyweights Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad.

The subsequent spending spree saw Al Ahli bolster their ranks with the likes of Chelsea and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, winner of the 2021 Fifa Best Goalkeeper of the Year award, Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and most recently Newcastle United’s flamboyant winger, Allan Saint-Maximin.

Al Ahli's new signing Riyad Mahrez with the club's executive director Yazin Al Sharif Al-Ahli. Reuters

But it is the Algerian who stands out in terms of profile and ability to take Al Ahli to the next level both on and off the pitch.

For all its troubles and conflicts, the Arab world, spanning the