Transfer news: Riyad Mahrez on the verge of move to Man City

The Algerian winger could go from one former champion to another. The move to Manchester City is imminent.

Many reports have surfaced that Manchester City is very close to signing Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez for £75million. Mahrez was almost signed by Man City before the winter window closed, but a fee could not be agreed upon.

Mahrez will likely be signed for a fee of £60million with £15million in add-ons later on before kick-off for 2018-19. Man City manager Pep Guardiola is keen to have the deal done before the Citizens go on there American pre-season tour this summer. City begins the tour on July 20th when they play Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Mahrez to City looked like a done deal before the winter window, but Leicester wanted more money for the star winger. Now this summer, the deal looks all but certain as the former PFA player of the year could take City over the edge as a Champions League favorite.

But who does this deal favor more, City or Leicester?

A once in a lifetime chance for Leicester

Manchester City will be the better side after this transfer is complete. Riyad Mahrez is still one of the most skilled wingers in the EPL and he gives City some more offensive depth to go far in the Champions League and begin a dynasty in the Premier League.

Mahrez is still one of the most skilled wingers and has played exceptional in his two seasons after winning the PFA player of the year. This move favors Leicester more though. Why? This is the only chance in the club’s history they will sell a player for this much money.

In the winter, I thought Leicester was nuts for turning down a £80million bid for Mahrez and asking for more money. Luckily, City is very eager to sign him and the price has only dropped by about 20 million pounds minus add-ons.

60 million pounds is still more than enough money for Leicester to buy a ton of adequate replacements and stay in the top flight for a couple of decades. If they use that money wisely and purchase really good players from around the world, they will be a guaranteed top-half team every season for a long time.

Next: Man City season review

The Foxes finished in ninth-place last season. That can happen for many years in a row if this Mahrez deal goes through, which it probably will. This transfer is a big win-win for both parties. More of a win for Leicester in the distant future, more for City in the immediate future.