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Manchester City superstar linked with a shock January exit

By Rohan Sengupta

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: A poppy is seen on the shirt of Riyah Mahrez of Manchester City as he stands with team mates Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on October 31, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: A poppy is seen on the shirt of Riyah Mahrez of Manchester City as he stands with team mates Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on October 31, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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In recent weeks, Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has been heavily linked with a January exit amidst Barcelona interest. But, Sterling isn’t the only player looking to leave the Etihad Stadium.

According to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato, Riyad Mahrez could leave Manchester City during the January transfer window.

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Riyad Mahrez, 30, was instrumental in the Sky Blues’ qualifying for the Champions League final and Premier League title triumph last season. He registered 14 goals and nine assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, as the Cityzens romped to their third league title win in four seasons under Pep Guardiola.

Surprisingly, the Algerian international has fallen down the attacking pecking order at the Etihad Stadium this term. Despite posting eight goals and two assists in 15 appearances in all formats, he has started only two league fixtures and was an unused substitute in Man City’s impressive 2-0 derby victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

Mahrez, who is on the list of 30 players nominated for the 2021 Ballon d’Or after a stupendous 2020/21 campaign, could leave the club after finding himself limited to cup competitions and substitute appearances—regardless of his goal-scoring record to date.

Foot Mercato claims both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have previously shown interest in the Algerian international, and both European giants ‘still appreciate his profile’. Not to forget, the 30-year-old nimble-footed winger will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from January 9 to February 6.

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Going by Manchester City’s previous record in the winter transfer window and considering how crucial Mahrez has been in the last couple of years, it is difficult to see Pep Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy approving his exit. Guardiola would ideally like to have a full-strength squad available at his disposal for the second half of the season when the club challenges on three trophy fronts.

For now, Mahrez, who has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2023, will have to be content being a squad player and wait for his chances in the Premier League.

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