Leicester City: Three hopes, one fear
By Sean Maslin
Hope #2: That Riyad Mahrez stays.
Aside from Jaime Vardy there was no player more important to Leicester City’s success than Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for The Foxes last season and was instrumental in their run to the title.
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But with success comes opportunity and like many players for the defending champions Mahrez is finding himself the object of affection from many European sides. If one reads the transfer talk of any website chances are one will see a rumor involving Mahrez. Everyday it is a new team and a new figure that is obscenely high. At this point it is unknown if Leicester City will be able to keep Mahrez but their supporters will hope so.
Will Mahrez stay? It appears that at least for this transfer window that he will. According to the Guardian Leicester City officials have told Mahrez that the club will not sell him during this transfer window. Keeping Mahrez gives the club some level of stability after having lost N’Golo Kante earlier in the summer.
The problem with this move is that it really just pushes the question to the winter. Assuming that he keeps up the same level of performance from last season he will have similar offers waiting for him in January. Leicester City will have to make a decision at some point on Mahrez and in all likelihood the amount of money being offered will be too good not to take.
Next: Hope #3: That Danny Drinkwater can take over for N'Golo Kante