Liverpool are ready to make a move for Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez if Phillipe Coutinho departs the club for Barcelona. According to recent reports, the Reds has prepared a contingency plan if they do end up selling Coutinho to the Catalans in this transfer window and Mahrez is amongst the shortlisted names who can replace the Brazilian at Anfield. It is believed that the Merseysiders will first look at AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar with the Foxes’ winger Mahrez considered as a backup option. Jurgen Klopp is also keeping a lookout for a new goalkeeper in January.
Some sources have claimed that Liverpool are still adamant about retaining Coutinho. However, there are increasing reports in the Spanish media that the Brazilian will force a deal through to Barcelona by next week so the Reds are preparing for life without Coutinho with Thomas Lemar or Riyad Mahrez being lined up a potential successor to the Brazilian at Anfield.
The Merseyside club has already tried to sign Lemar in the summer but AS Monaco proved to be tough negotiators and rejected a late bid believed to be in the region of £75m. A report in the English media has suggested that it might take around £100m of Coutinho’s expected £133m fee to secure the services of Lemar. If they fail to push a deal through for the Frenchman, then Jurgen Klopp will look to land Mahrez from Leicester City.
The Algerian international has been in fine form of late which has seen him notch up with an assist at Anfield in Leicester City 2-1 away defeat at the hands of Liverpool last month. The 26-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Foxes this season and has scored 8 goals while making 8 assists so far. Mahrez is highly versatile and can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder which will suit Jurgen Klopp’s style of play at Liverpool. However, his defensive work-rate leaves a lot to be desired.
In comparison, Coutinho has scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists in 20 appearances for the Reds this season. So Mahrez’s record at Leicester is not so far behind Coutinho’s stats at Anfield. Hence, it is no wonder that the Merseyside club are potentially lining him up as a replacement. With better quality around him at Liverpool, the Algerian can be expected to score more goals and create more chances for his team-mates which is why a possible move may be on the cards.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are successful in their efforts to sign Mahrez if Coutinho leaves in this ongoing winter transfer window.
