After a record-breaking campaign in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola is already into his third season at Manchester City in a couple of months’ time. The Spaniard has already stamped his authority on the squad at Etihad but does not seem too convinced with the options at his disposal at the moment.
This has seen City linked with a number of superstars for a move this summer and one name constantly doing the rounds is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian winger joined Leicester City from Le Havre, a second-tier club in France, back in 2014 and made an immediate impact at the club.
He helped the Foxes to a promotion in his first season at the club, and in his third, he helped them to a historic league title in England. His heroics in that season won him the PFA Player of the Year award and though Mahrez has not hit such heights again, he remains one of the best players for Leicester City at the moment.
He has 39 goals and 28 assists in 139 top-flight appearances in England and at just 27, stands as one of the best playmakers in the league. He registered 13 goals and 13 assists last season and was on City’s radar even in January. Leicester City were reluctant to sell mid-way through the season but reports now suggest that Mahrez is close to joining Manchester City before the start of the next season.
The Foxes seems to have already found a replacement for Mahrez, as they have struck a deal with Norwich City for James Maddison. The 21-year old could end up costing Leicester £25m and it is understood that they will look to sell Mahrez at double that cost. So is he an option for Manchester City?
A right-sided winger, who can also play as a support striker, Mahrez is a gifted footballer with a keen eye for a path-breaking pass. He is a smart footballer, with great technique and a will to win, no matter what. He is not really a hard worker but is more than capable of doing the dirty work when needed. He is a creator in chief and adds a different dimension to the options currently at Etihad.
Guardiola is desperate to add versatile players who can play in more than one role and Mahrez fits the bill well. Pep used a 4-3-3 system last season and is expected to stick with the same this time around as well.
Mahrez can play as a winger in attack or as a part of the midfield if Pep deems so, making him a superb signing for the Citizens. He will not walk into the first team at Etihad but not many will and signing Mahrez will probably leave City with very little work to do on their attack this summer.
