Press reports have revealed the truth about the move of Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, the former Al-Ahli Saudi star, to Morocco's Wydad during the current summer transfer window.
Wydad were considering a free transfer for Mahrez this summer, the reports had claimed, with the winger available since Al-Ahli terminated his contract at the end of last season.
But Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah" cited Algerian press reports that ruled the option out entirely. The matter never went beyond a passing thought at the Moroccan club, they insisted, and never turned into an actual move.
The obstacles are considerable. Italian side Roma are chasing the Algerian, and so are several Saudi Roshn League clubs, leaving Wydad with little chance of completing the deal.
His technical quality and vast experience make him a difficult target for anyone outside Europe or the Gulf, the reports added.
Mahrez boasts a distinguished career, most notably at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League title four times between 2018 and 2023. He then moved to Al-Ahli and lifted the AFC Champions League Elite twice.