As Riyad Mahrez nears a transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, the Man City recruitment team is currently working on Mahrez’s successors, according to insiders who spoke to Football Insider.
According to a reliable source, Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, will receive the money this summer to replace the 32-year-old.
Mahrez’s departure will be a major setback for Guardiola and his treble-winning team because it is thought that Man City fought tooth and nail to keep him at the Etihad Stadium.
After reaching a personal agreement with Al-Alhi, the winger is scheduled to go to Dubai for a medical, Football Insider reported on Sunday (16 July).
Mahrez is anticipated to agree to a two-year contract with the club, with a potential one-year extension. He is projected to earn £43 million per season, plus bonuses.
The Algerian international has assisted Pep Guardiola’s team in winning the Champions League, three League Cups, two FA Cups, and four Premier League championships.
In a storied 2022–23 season for Man City, he recorded 15 goals and 13 assists in 47 games across all competitions.
In June 2025, Mahrez’s contract was scheduled to end.
Cole Palmer has also been connected to a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with other teams apparently keen to sign him on a loan.
Among the other talents that can play a variety of roles are Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva.
However, the star of Man City Kevin de Bruyne is expected to miss the start of the 2023–24 season due to injury, Football Insider reported earlier this month (5 July).