In what could be a major heartbreaker for the Leicester City fans, their hero of last season, Riyad Mahrez, may soon be moving to title rivals Manchester City. Ever since there has been a change on the managerial front at City, it was only a matter of time that the Citizens will start going after quality players.
Pep Guardiola is all set to bring the PFA players’ player of the 2015-16 season to Manchester City according to reports from France. The Spaniard is keen to bolster his squad with the addition of Riyad Mahrez after two quality signings in Ilkay Gundogan and Nolito, as he looks to cement Manchester City’s position on the European football map.
According to the reports, City are preparing a £34 million bid for the 25-year-old Algerian international. Though Mahrez has travelled with the Leicester City squad for their pre-season training, reports say that he is yet to pen down a new deal for the Foxes.
He has 3 more years left on his contract and currently earns £35,000/week. It is evident that he has been offered an improved contract, but considering his heroics last year, he can expect quite a few big clubs approaching his agent.
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It will be quite hard for the defending champions to hold on to their talisman. Mahrez, who scored 17 goals and assisted another 11. The Algerian performed superbly last season as Leicester City went on to become champion and rewrite history.
With Champions League football to offer this season, Leicester were hoping to retain the majority of their 1st team players. However, before the season kick starts, manager Claudio Ranieri is experiencing desperate times as he already lost N’Golo Kante to Chelsea in a £32 million deal, and is almost on the brink of losing Mahrez to another prospective title rival.
It is quite obvious that Mahrez will be happy to work under a manager like Pep Guardiola to make his mark among the very best in Europe. Additionally, it will certainly make Manchester City a formidable force to reckon with, both in the Premier League as well as in Europe.
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On the other hand, Leicester City has already taken some backward steps in their defence of the EPL title. Being aware of their vulnerable position regarding Mahrez, they may let the player go but expect to pocket in a fee somewhere in the region of £45 million.
Manchester City may still face some tough competitions from other big teams as well. It is believed that Luis Enrique is keen to bring the Algerian star to Barcelona. French club PSG, under their new manager Unai Emery, are also interested in prizing him away from England.
