Manchester City are planning a shock move for FC Barcelona’s Raphinha to replace Riyad Mahrez who is set to leave the club after five years, reported Foot Mercato on Wednesday.
Mahrez, 32, is wanted by Saudia’s Al-Ahli before the season kicks off and, as per reports, it is certain that the Algerian will complete his move to the Saudi club.
Should Mahrez leave, Man City would then need to bring in his replacement and City’s head coach Pep Guardiola thinks Raphinha, who is as good defensively as he is offensively, is a good fit.
The report also states that City’s Txiki Begiristain has already been in touch with Barcelona’s director Deco.
Raphinha was linked to an early exit in June as the English club Newcastle United made an €80 million bid for the Brazilian but the player was reluctant to leave and showed his consistent desire to stay at the club.
Despite a very inconsistent season, the Brazilian did manage to make his mark at the Catalan club as he scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 50 matches.
However, the offer to play under Guardiola may be appealing to the forward and it would also help Barcelona — who are in a poor financial state — get some money while bearing in mind that players like Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati can occupy the right-wing to make up for Raphinha.
It must be noted that Raphinha is aware of Premier League’s playing style and culture as he played for Leeds United for two years.
Man City are also after Barca’s midfielder Frenkie de Jong and could make a shock €90m move for the Dutch footballer, it was reported by The Sun earlier this month.
City have already lost their captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barca, despite signing Kovacic last week. The treble winners are not satisfied with their midfield as Bernardo Silva may as well leave the club.
De Jong, 26, turned down an €85 million offer from Manchester United last year, denying the chance to play under his former manager Erik Ten Hag.