Riyad Mahrez‘s days for Manchester City might be numbered.
Raheem Sterling left the forward position last summer, but Mahrez stayed, signing a contract extension that kept him with the team through 2025. However, a year later, things don’t seem to be working as well.
After failing to sign Harry Kane as Sergio Aguero’s replacement, City depended on Mahrez to score the majority of their goals during the 2021–2022 season. Mahrez concluded the season with the title of leading goal scorer. However, with Erling Haaland’s arrival, goal support was no longer needed on the flanks. He continued on to surpass his 24-goal total by December 28 and come close to double it by the end of the season.
However, Mahrez was much more active this past season than the year before, when only 14 of his 29 starts occurred in the league. Mahrez started 35 times across all competitions and 22 times in the Premier League. He wasn’t counted on to score every goal, but he still contributed 15 to the triple and provided 13 additional assists. This proved that he was still a key member of Pep Guardiola’s team.
He and Jack Grealish were introduced at the hour mark of the Chelsea victory in January. Their combination for the game’s lone goal gave the performance some vitality. Mahrez lost his right position to Bernardo Silva, who started every game against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He played in the big games, and it must be frustrating not to play in the FA Cup or Champions League final.
As Saudi Arabian teams continue their hunt for Premier League stars, there is mounting suspicion that the winger will leave this summer. Although losing such a dependable forward would be painful, a sizable sum for a 31-year-old would be too lucrative to pass up.
But City would be in a pickle with his departure. The chance that the club’s right side could be destroyed in a single summer is mounting given that Bernardo’s future is also still up in the air.
Despite adding Mateo Kovacic, City missed out on Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. This weakens their midfield after Ilkay Gundogan’s loss. With the addition of Josko Gvardiol, the emphasis is on strengthening the defence. However, any departure from the attack would require a replacement.
But it would also present Cole Palmer with the opportunity he seeks. The academy grad made his debut for the first team two years ago and was mentioned in the same sentence as Phil Foden. But last season, his development stalled due to discouraging injuries and lacklustre performances.
Although his talent is still clear, the 21-year-old was anticipated to advance significantly last season and receive more action, with his most impressive performances coming only after the league title was assured. His results at the Under-21 Euros are therefore quite encouraging. Palmer was a significant contributor to the victorious England team and excelled in the semifinal and championship games.
He provided critical moments of excellence when the pressure was at its highest. He set up two goals and scored another against Israel before assisting on the game-winning play in the thrilling victory over Spain. Palmer might have gone on loan this summer because Brighton was interested, but those performances might have convinced management otherwise.
Even though Palmer played left for England, he can also play on the other flank. If Mahrez or Bernardo leave, Palmer may have many more chances to earn regular playing time and make an impression this upcoming season. He will continue to be a backup option for his club and will need to significantly improve his performances. However, he has been waiting for the right chance and it might come his way. He’ll just have to cope.