Manchester City decided to break the bank for their first signing of the new season. The reigning Premier League champions brought in winger Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City in a transfer worth approximately $80 million. The 27-year-old inked a five-year deal.
Although City has been a big spender in the past years, Mahrez’s transfer fee is surprisingly their club record. The move has been confirmed on the Man City’s social media.
The best things come to those who wait… 🕘#welcomeriyad to Manchester City! 💙 #mancity pic.twitter.com/lLjJZrz4J0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 10, 2018
Manchester City has been trying to sign Riyad Mahrez since his breakthrough campaign in the 2015-16 season when Leicester won the Premier League title. Despite having the player’s blessing for the deal, City was scared away each time by Leicester’s big asking price. This time around, Leicester decided to back off from their asking price, believed to be in a range of $100 million and make the deal possible.
“His moments of magic will live long in the memory as the club and its fans continue to build a long-term legacy for the success delivered by the teams to which Riyad so memorably contributed,” said Leicester in a statement.
After arriving at his new club, Riyad Mahrez said that the most attractive thing about Man City was the style of football that coach Pep Guardiola is nurturing.
“Watching them from afar has been a pleasure,” – said Mahrez.”Pep Guardiola is committed to playing attacking football, and City’s performances last season were outstanding. I think we can be successful over the coming years and I believe my own game can develop under Pep’s management.”
Riyad Mahrez arrived at Leicester City in 2013 from Le Havre, in a transfer worth around $600,000. After an unimpressive first season with the club, Mahrez established himself as one of the team’s best players. He saw his most impressive performances in the 2015-16 season when he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or award.
