Transfer News: Barcelona eye January swoop for Riyad Mahrez

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is reportedly keen on leaving the club in the January transfer window, and Barcelona are ready to swoop.

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona are considering attempting to sign Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, who is looking for a way out from Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window.

Mahrez joined the Cityzens from fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City in the summer of 2018. After a rather underwhelming debut season, the 30-year-old kicked on from his second campaign at the Etihad and established himself as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, racking up 157 appearances in which he has 47 goals and 39 assists.

However, this season, Mahrez has had to deal with reduced game-time, with Guardiola opting to play Gabriel Jesus on the right flank. Even then, the former Leicester City ace has made an impression whenever given a chance, scoring eight goals and setting up a couple more in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Foot Mercato in France first reported that Mahrez is looking to leave Manchester City in January. SPORT builds on that information, claiming that Barcelona are ready to sign him up in the upcoming January transfer window.

It is no secret that the Catalan giants are in the market to sign a new forward in the winter after being hit with a spate of injuries in the first half of the season. Ousmane Dembele picked up a fresh injury on his first appearance of the season last month, while Ansu Fati has had two different injury problems since returning from a lengthy spell out on the sidelines.

With Martin Braithwaite struggling with an injury of his own, Memphis Depay blowing hot and cold, and Yusuf Demir unable to promise he showed in pre-season, the Blaugrana are intent on adding more quality to their attacking unit come January. A move for Raheem Sterling has been talked about quite a lot while new manager Xavi Hernandez is also considering recalling loanee Francisco Trincao from Wolves.

Mahrez has also now emerged as an option for the Catalan giants. The Algerian international’s contract runs out in 2023, meaning he will be entering the final year of his deal next year and maybe sold for a reasonable price. However, they may have to face competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who have been previously linked with a move for the 30-year-old.

It remains to be seen if Barcelona decide to go ahead with their interest in Mahrez or look at other alternatives to bolster their frontline in the mid-season trading period.