A transformed champion. This summer of 2023, Manchester City is preparing to make some changes to its five-star squad, winner of the treble last season. The residents of the Etihad Stadium have already lost their captain Ilkay Gündogan, who joined FC Barcelona for free. Aymeric Laporte, he is asking questions especially as the Citizens will recruit a new defender in the person of Josko Gvardiol. Kyle Walker is ready to join Bayern Munich. For his part, Bernardo Silva pleases the Blaugranas and especially Paris Saint-Germain. Saudi Arabia did try their luck with the Portuguese. In vain.
Mahrez has an exit ticket
On the other hand, Riyad Mahrez could be tempted by a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League. Like many Premier League players, the Algerian international was approached very seriously by a Saudi club. This is Al-Ahli. As revealed exclusively on our site two days ago, an offer of 20 million euros will be made in order to convince the English champions to let go of Fennec under contract until 2025. Which makes the Mancunians think…
Moreover, the Spanish technician and his leaders already have ideas in mind if ever the former Leicester player, who benefits from an exit voucher, should go away. Yesterday the Manchester Evening News revealed that Guardiola believes that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer will be able to make up for the loss of Riyad Mahrez. Julian Alvarez will also be able to help out in this position according to the MEN. But according to our exclusive information, the English have already checked a name to replace the captain of the Algerian team. Indeed, it is about Raphinha.
Raphinha is the priority
The Brazilian has the advantage of knowing the Premier League perfectly after his successful spell at Leeds. In addition, his profile appeals to Pep Guardiola. Initial contacts have been made between Txiki Begiristain (sporting director of City) and Deco (director of football at Barça and former agent of Raphinha). That’s not bad news for the Catalans, who need to find €60m by August 31 to register their signings and players who signed up last year. Selling Raphinha would be good for the club’s finances.
In any case, culés leaders are ready to listen to offers for the international Auriverde. Approached by other teams in recent weeks, including Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia or Chelsea in the Premier League according to various media, Raphinha has regularly indicated that he wants to continue with Xavi’s team. This, despite a mixed first season and very strong competition. He will certainly study the question a little more if Manchester City actually goes on the offensive. This would be an incredible way out for the former Stade Rennais.
