Premier League Giants Eye Riyad Mahrez But Leicester Star Desperate To Join Barcelona
Reuters / Darren Staples
Barcelona face a tough challenge from Liverpool to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester, according to reports.
Mahrez was voted as the PFA Player of the Year award last term for his outstanding performances with the Foxes as they went on to win the title. Despite enduring a tough season this year he is still considered a top player.
The Algerian was also the highest placed Premier League star in the latest Ballon d’Or, finishing above the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in seventh.
His exploits for Leicester last season forced many to suggest he would leave in the summer with Arsenal and Barcelona both closely monitoring his situation. But the 26-year-old surprisingly decided to sign a new four-year contract at Leicester worth £100,000 a week.
However, Spanish newspaper Sport now claim Barcelona planning to return with a much more improved bid this summer as Liverpool look to seal his signature.
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The report further states the Reds already have made an approach to sign Mahrez along with Juventus but Mahrez dreams of a move to Barcelona as he wants to play alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar. However, any move for him would have to wait till Barcelona appoints a new manager to see if he wants to sign him or not.
Leicester are currently 6 points above the relegation zone this season with safety far from guaranteed. And Mahrez is rumoured to be pondering over a move away from the King Power stadium this summer.
But any team will need to roughly spend £34 million to acquire his services from the Foxes.
