Manchester City has completed the signing of Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City in a record-breaking transfer. The club announced the deal via their official website, confirming that Mahrez arrives for a fee of £60 million, making him the most expensive player in Manchester City's history.
Mahrez has agreed to a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2023. This long-term commitment underscores Manchester City's ambition to strengthen their attacking options under manager Pep Guardiola.
The 27-year-old's career path led him to Leicester City in January 2014, when he joined from French side Le Havre, which was competing in the second tier at the time. His impact was immediate, as he played a key role in Leicester winning the Championship title and securing promotion to the Premier League.
Mahrez's standout moment came during the 2015-16 season, where he was central to Leicester's remarkable Premier League title victory. His exceptional form earned him the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top performers.
Upon finalizing the transfer, Mahrez expressed his excitement about joining Manchester City. He praised Pep Guardiola's attacking style of play and highlighted City's outstanding recent achievements, stating his desire to be part of a team that is reshaping English football.
Manchester City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, commended Mahrez's abilities, emphasizing his skill in beating defenders and creating space. Begiristain noted that Mahrez has established himself as one of the Premier League's most thrilling talents and will add significant attacking depth to the squad.
Mahrez will wear the number 26 shirt at Manchester City, the same number he sported during his time at Leicester. This familiar detail may help him adapt quickly to his new surroundings as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Based on reporting from English Wikinews RSS feed..