Manchester City could be set to lose Riyad Mahrez, with it being claimed the Algerian winger has now agreed a lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.
Mahrez’s future has been the subject of speculation for the past few weeks now.
The 32-year-old lost prominence at City in the last couple of months of the 2022/23 season.
At the end, he didn’t play in the FA Cup final or the Champions League final.
Unfortunately there were just other players, such as Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, who were in better moments than him at the time.
Fans are waiting to see what will happen with him – and it looks as though he might be heading for the exit.
Riyad Mahrez ‘agrees lucrative contract’ with Al Ahli
According to talkSPORT this evening, Mahrez has now agreed a lucrative contract with Al Ahli, the Saudi side that has been chasing him for the last few weeks.
But this does not mean that a deal will be done.
Of course, Al Ahli now have to reach an agreement with City for the player’s transfer.
And it has been suggested that City aren’t particularly willing to let him depart this summer.
Supposedly, Al Ahli are ready to submit a £30 million bid for Mahrez.
Bernardo, linked to Saudi himself, is now being seen as someone who could replace Ilkay Gundogan. If this is the plan, then Mahrez would be City’s only right wing option.
Man City should sell Riyad Mahrez for the right price
£30 million is probably not far off Mahrez’s true value.
The player – who cost City £60 million in 2018 – is 32 now, and he only has two years left on his contract.
It’s possible his decline will start soon.
City should be ready to negotiate with Al Ahli. Their wealth is huge and there is potential to get somewhere nearer to £40 million.
It is understandable though why City are a bit reluctant to sell right now.
Ultimately, Mahrez – who City describe on their website as ‘capable of truly magical moments’ – has still been playing at a high level and is a proven performer in the Premier League.
It would be quite difficult to replace someone like him.
