Mahrez Undecided Between Liverpool And Barcelona
Liverpool have reportedly held initial talks with the representatives of Riyad Mahrez regarding a possible summer switch. It is also believed that the Algerian is on Barcelona’s radar and hence Liverpool will face stiff competition to land the Leicester City star.
It is also said that the player would favour a move to Barcelona, but it is understandable as Barca are the biggest club in Europe right now and to turn them down would take the heart of a super villain.
Mahrez won PFA Player of the Year last season after a stunning run that saw Leicester’s shock the world with their Premier League title win. However, it’d be fair to say that he’s gone off the boil this term. Still, Liverpool remain interested in the skillful winger and have been in touch with the player over a move which is likely to cost them around £34million, according to Sport (h/t Metro).
He only signed a new contract back in August but latest reports suggest he could still end up leaving the King Power Stadium in the near future, with Liverpool and Barcelona interested in the player.
Mahrez has scored 9 goals and has provided 6 assists in 36 appearances this term and has struggled for form. However, he has performed well in Champions League and that would probably give the big clubs some belief that the winger is not a one-season wonder.
He has been on the pitch for 2783 minutes and is still a regular for Leicester despite his poor form this season.
The fact that Liverpool are lacking depth in wide areas would make Mahrez a perfect fit at Liverpool but the prospect of Barcelona would be too hard to resist. However, if he considers the amount of playing time he would get at both places, he would be at peace choosing Anfield over Camp Nou.
It would be next to impossible for Mahrez to displace either of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar from the Barcelona line up. Hence, Mahrez would be better of choosing Liverpool over Barca in the summer.
An interesting summer seems to be on the cards.
