Manchester City
Premier League • England
Man City superstar tipped to join Liverpool icon in mega-money move that will devastate Guardiola
Riyad Mahrez is reportedly ‘set to be offered’ a huge contract by Saudi club Al-Ahli, who are on the verge of signing Roberto Firmino on a free transfer.
The Egypt international has played a big role in Man City’s success in recent years but saw his playing time diminish last season.
Mahrez made 30 Premier League appearances but many of these saw him come off the bench. But, he still managed to score five goals and make 10 assists.
Now, at the age of 32, he could potentially seal a mega-money switch to Saudi – which will probably be the last big transfer of his career.
This is according to the Daily Mail, who claim Mahrez will be offered £43m-a-year plus bonuses for a two-year contract. This is five times bigger than the £8.5m-a-year contract extension he signed at Man City last summer.
However, Al-Ahli’s first priority is finalising two other deals. The first is for Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino, who is set to have a medical at the club in the near future.
Also, they are close to signing Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. So, it is understood that when they wrap up those deals, they will turn their focus to Mahrez.
READ MORE: Everton star ‘asks to leave’ amid links with Liverpool and Man Utd in major blow to Sean Dyche
Mahrez undecided on Saudi switch
However, the Daily Mail add that while Mahrez is ‘interested in ending his career in Saudi,’ he is not yet sure whether to leave Man City this summer.
Also, of course, Man City can still turn down any bids they receive for Mahrez, considering he is under contract until 2025.
Since signing for the Cityzens in 2018, he has made 236 appearances, scoring 78 goals and making 59 assists.
In the process, he has helped his team to lift four Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
Last season was Mahrez’s most successful to date though, playing his role in a historic treble-winning campaign.
Indeed, that success is part of the reason the Egyptian is unsure about leaving Man City this summer. Also, Guardiola is thought to be keen on keeping him for at least another season, especially with Bernardo Silva being linked with a departure.
Therefore, Al Ahli may have to stump up a sizeable transfer fee to prise him away from the Etihad.
The Daily Mail, do not mention how much the Saudi club are willing to pay for Mahrez. But, other reports suggest Man City value him at around £20m.