Exclusive: Riyad Mahrez asks to leave Man City after upsetting double snub and with staggering move agreed; Guardiola stance revealed
Riyad Mahrez has asked to leave Man City
TEAMtalk can reveal that Riyad Mahrez has asked Manchester City to let him leave this summer with the Algerian winger agreeing terms on a stunning move to Saudi Pro-League side Al Ahli.
Sources with knowledge of the situation have informed me that Mahrez was left extremely hurt by Pep Guardiola’s failure to use him in the FA Cup and Champions League finals. The winger, who has been at City for five years, was unused substitutes in both matches.
Mahrez’s situation has come to the attention of the Saudi Pro League and now Al Ahli have made their move to sign him.
To that end, they have quickly agreed a deal in principle with the 32-year-old. That is worth a staggering £43m plus bonuses over a two-year contract. That deal will be worth a minimun of £413,000 a week to the former Leicester man.
But while the first hurdle for Mahrez leaving has been cleared, the next and most difficult one is persuading City to agree to the move.
To that end, Al Ahli’s offer to City is reportedly worth £30m. The winger currently has just two years left on his deal at the Etihad.
However, as it stands, City are not willing to sell the player. And we can reveal that Guardiola has made it clear he does not want to lose Mahrez.
Furthermore, Guardiola has also moved to reassure the player he be major part of his plans next season.
Mahrez, though, is not convinced, with his frustration stemming from the culimination of their historic Treble-winning season.
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Mahrez pushing to leave City; Guardiola wants winger to stay
Guardiola has not commented on the latest speculation surrounding Mahrez.
However, he did admit back in April that the winger is often pushing him for more starts.
“He’s grumpy with me when he doesn’t play, all the time,” Guardiola said. “He makes me notice when he’s grumpy. He loves to play football, he’s given so much for Man City and hopefully [he continues to] in the future.”
Another big factor is that City have intimated to Bernardo Silva they will not stand in his way over a potential summer exit. To that end, the Portugal international remains keen on a move away from the club.
PSG are leading the chase, whilst there is also an offer on the table from Saudi Arabia too. There is still some hope from within Silva’s camp that Barcelona – his preferred option – will manage to make a bid.
To that end, Barcelona were linked with a possible swap deal that would make Man Utd wince.
READ MORE: Man City offered stunning swap deal by Barcelona that will leave Man Utd reeling
