The Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are oh so happy with the nature of life at the moment, as their side continue to impress.
With City in such imperious form, one would assume that January signings are the last thing on the agenda at the club.
However, according to Spanish media outlet Donbalon, City are strongly considering a January swoop for Leicester City’s highly-regarded Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
A move for Mahrez would certainly add a new dimension to the attacking football that’s been on display under Guardiola this season, however, his style of play would suggest that a move for Lionel Messi is now beyond the reach of the hierarchy at City.
Though the Argentine’s recent contract extension would suggest he’s once again untouchable, the recent deal that saw Neymar move to PSG proved anything is possible. Indeed, there have seemingly always been dreams that City could land arguably the best footballer of all time, though perhaps a move for the Leicester man could be the reason they end once and for all.
Of course, it would be an insult to put Mahrez in the same bracket as Messi, but there are certain similarities between the players which suggest City may be looking at cheaper and more realistic alternatives.
Mahrez is physically similar to Messi in terms of his size, agility, speed and balance. Moreover, the Algerian, like Messi, is a left-footed player who tends to roam in the final-third and influence the game from a variety of positions.
Although City will always harbour dreams of bringing the world’s greatest player to the Etihad, a move for Mahrez strongly implies that they are taking a realistic approach and targeting more affordable alternatives.
Thoughts?
