Advisor admits ‘fear’ about Man City star as report claims Real Madrid talks

Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling Man City

Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi has admitted that Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is most likely not “100 per cent happy” with his current situation.

Algeria international Mahrez has proved a key acquisition for City since signing in the summer of 2018.

He has scored 31 goals and assisted 31 others in 119 games for Pep Guardiola‘s men. However, his influence has somewhat tailed off this season.

The 29-year-old has played in 14 of 21 Premier League games, but only completed one 90-minute performance in the past 11 games.

What’s more, he has spent four of those games on the bench, with the likes of Phil Foden and Ferran Torres earning starts ahead of him.

Speaking to DZ Foot, Belmadi opened up on the “fear” that could spread among the Algeria faithful about Mahrez’s continued impact on the international stage.

“Mahrez is probably not 100 per cent happy because he would like to play more with Manchester City,” the manager said.

“He’s a fighter who wants to play all the games for his team.

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“I can’t ask him to leave his club to play more at another, I’m not his agent. But, the most important thing is for him to maintain his fitness and to be ready for the national team’s next games.

“He’s our captain. I understand the fear of the fans, but, in my view, he’s got the ability to bounce back once again. I trust him.”

But while Belmadi admitted that he could not speak for Mahrez’s agent, reports have claimed that the intermediary is working on finding his client a solution.

Report touts Mahrez move to Madrid

Todofichajes reports that Mahrez wants to leave the Etihad Stadium, with Real Madrid a top next desire. What’s more, his agent has been in initial contact with Zinedine Zidane’s side.

The source adds that the winger is not worth more than €50million (£44million), which proves an affordable figure for the Spanish giants.

However, Los Blancos must work on shifting players out of their squad before considering new signings.

Indeed, supposed Leeds target Lucas Vazquez is reportedly on the way out as he nears the end of his contract.

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