In a transfer window with lots of rumours, whispers and claims, one player reportedly now set to stay at Manchester City beyond the transfer window is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian has had a hugely successful four-year spell at the club so far, winning three Premier League titles, three League Cups, two Community Shields, and the FA Cup.
According to the ever-reliable Pol Ballus of The Athletic, the tricky winger is set to stay at the club for next season – despite his current contract expiring next summer, which led many to believe that the club would cash in on the Algeria captain.
With only a year remaining on his deal, the 31-year-old was linked with a move away, and the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan are said to have been monitoring his situation.
This comes after a fine season for the player, scoring 11 goals and getting 7 assists in the Premier League, with one of his standout performances being the 4-1 thrashing of local rivals Manchester United in the famous Manchester derby; Mahrez scored 2 goals and put in a 5-star display.
A career-best total of 32 goals and assists this season saw Mahrez regarded as one of the club's players of the season and he was in the final three-man shortlist for the Etihad Player of the Year award along with Bernardo Silva and the eventual winner Kevin De Bruyne.
In an interview with 'Oui Hustle' last year, Mahrez stated that he had no desire to leave the club and that he was committed to the City cause, claiming there was more to be achieved under Pep Guardiola.
In response to a question about moving on, the forward had this to say:
"What if I want to go higher? I do not see what is higher [than Manchester City]."
The Algerian was then asked if he wanted a new challenge elsewhere, but was firm in his response, expressing his love for English football:
"No, I really love England and English football is wonderful. I don't want to leave. I still have goals to pursue here"
Today's reports will come as great news to City fans, who will all be hoping that the winger can replicate his dazzling form going into next season – with new acquisition and friend Erling Haaland expected to benefit from his services.
In his first interview with the club, Haaland confirmed that Mahrez had told him to join City while they enjoyed their holidays in Mykonos last summer – and now we can expect the pair to be lining up at the Etihad Stadium together for the upcoming campaign.
Written by: Jake Hull
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