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Leicester deny player-power: Mahrez saga

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Watford at The King Power Stadium on January 20, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Watford at The King Power Stadium on January 20, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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CARDIFF, WALES – JANUARY 28: Leroy Sane of Manchester City is tackled by Joe Bennett of Cardiff City during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round between Cardiff City and Manchester City on January 28, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES – JANUARY 28: Leroy Sane of Manchester City is tackled by Joe Bennett of Cardiff City during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round between Cardiff City and Manchester City on January 28, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images) /

Manchester City wanted the Algerian as a backup option

In January 2018 Injuries to Leroy Sane and David Silva forced Guardiola to survey the transfer market. There was also ‘magician’ Kevin De Bruyne’s fatigue. He was given leave to travel abroad for a rest.

These are huge factors in City’s interest in Mahrez. Allegedly City eventually tabled a £50 million-plus-player deal on January 31. The player’s identity is not certain. Leicester then reportedly turned the offer down, asking for more money in a cash-only deal.

Manchester City then stated they were no longer interested in Mahrez. Presumably managers like Guardiola, Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte would be horrendously repelled from interest in a player who could repeat this behaviour. The behaviour in reference: technically going AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) twice.

I believe The league leaders required Mahrez as a back-up to the aforementioned players. Not to mention backup for Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva. As Champions elect and almost certain Champions League semi-finalists, City have depth and a set starting line-up.

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