Who should replace Riyad Mahrez?

[BrazilianGus]

Well if that's the case I say the story we and Chelsea want him was a crock.

Maybe. But Lee implies he has heard something concrete about his name.

 

[Gorton_Tubster]

One lesson I've learned from the results of these past few years is that a team may not always find the perfect fit when they need it, but as long as they remain patient, they will eventually discover the most reasonable solution. Initially, we didn't sign a suitable replacement for Kompany, which led to paying the price of losing titles in subsequent seasons. However, in the end, we acquired Ruben Dias, who helped us achieve historic results in the following years. We also didn't sign a player to directly replace Fernandinho (even though he was still with the team at the time), but later, we got Rodri. The same situation happened with David Silva and Aguero. Fortunately, we managed to bring Haaland back home, even though it meant playing a season without a striker. Then, in the absence of Silva, we developed Foden and brought in Grealish. They are completely different types of players compared to David Silva, but they succeeded in helping the team create historic achievements after his departure.

With my limited knowledge, I'm unsure who can directly replace Mahrez now, and I don't believe there's someone who can truly do that. Therefore, I think the team will solve this issue in a different way or find the answer at a more suitable time. After all, what matters most is doing the right thing, not just doing it quickly.

Over the years iv learnt the best teams evolve over the season. Try this, try that, see which players have the hunger... Up until January or February then the business starts.
And all the way through that the wet-the-bed fans lose their shit. Every season.

 

[houraisen]

In the usual pattern, it will be next summer before we sign a replacement.

 

[Jokithedruid]

Sam Lee said on his podcast “Olise is the one”. Not sure I trust him in this. If so, it’s underwhelming

If that’s true i’d be pushing to be sold if i was Palmer. No need to spend big on olise if we have him.

 

[Gorbachev]

Sam Lee said on his podcast “Olise is the one”. Not sure I trust him in this. If so, it’s underwhelming

I must agree

His numbers on our scouting software must be off the charts if we are adamant he "is the one".

 

[DeBlueLou]

What he meant by that is he thinks this is the one we will try first. He also said he thinks if Chelsea does want him at all costs, it’s unlikely this is a player we’d go crazy for. Just a lot of conjecture

Mhm… city just doesn’t leak anything on possible targets anymore… they seems to be more open to the sales.

Regardless you gotta replace 28 g/a winger :/

 

[Keeper!]

I think the way we play, the domination we have in most games, there will be opportunities for any of them. Goals will still come. Maybe everyone else will just get a couple more.

The best thing about Mahrez for me, well after his first touch, is that he had an ability to forget something that didnt work. If he cut inside and curled it wide, it wouldn't stop him trying it again the next time if the opportunity was there. As long as whoever comes in has the same mindset they'll kill it. For me Palmer and Bobb have huge ability - if they didn't, City wouldn't even be considering keeping them around. A run in the team (4 games or so) for one of them could see them step up. But I'd start with Foden out there and I'd expect him to get 20-25 this season provided he stays fit.

We have no idea what the club plan is in terms of Palmer, Bobb and Mcatee, in terms of Palmer I am certain he will be playing his football in a different shirt this season.

Mahrez produced a lot of goals and assists , they need to be replaced.

 

[DeBlueLou]

I’ve seen the suggestion that some would like to replace the 28 g/an experienced winger with two wingers with a total of 1 g/a in the league, one of which being injured 24/7.

That’s worth a laugh.

 

[mattcity5]

We have no idea what the club plan is in terms of Palmer, Bobb and Mcatee, in terms of Palmer I am certain he will be playing his football in a different shirt this season.

Mahrez produced a lot of goals and assists , they need to be replaced.

Tbh with the 3 you mention, I've never really seen it with McAtee, I'm not sure about Palmer but Bobb looks special to me.

Every club needs a pathway for players who may be special and that can happen when older players leave.

I've no idea how highly the club rates those 3, but if they think of any of them very highly then you don't bring someone else in and block their progress when the opportunity is there.

Mahrez did a great job for us, but I don't think he was "exceptional". Just a very good player in an exceptional team. The team raises the output, it raised his goalscoring, it will raise others.

Personally I'd prefer to see what the kids can do. We have Foden, Bernardo and then Palmer, Bobb, Alvarez and even McAtee to play out there. It's actually more than enough.

There would be no point buying another player unless they can hit the ground and produce from day 1, and I don't see that player out there. If others disagree that's fine, I can get that.

 

[JewelZee]

Tbh with the 3 you mention, I've never really seen it with McAtee, I'm not sure about Palmer but Bobb looks special to me.

Every club needs a pathway for players who may be special and that can happen when older players leave.

I've no idea how highly the club rates those 3, but if they think of any of them very highly then you don't bring someone else in and block their progress when the opportunity is there.

Mahrez did a great job for us, but I don't think he was "exceptional". Just a very good player in an exceptional team. The team raises the output, it raised his goalscoring, it will raise others.

Personally I'd prefer to see what the kids can do. We have Foden, Bernardo and then Palmer, Bobb, Alvarez and even McAtee to play out there. It's actually more than enough.

There would be no point buying another player unless they can hit the ground and produce from day 1, and I don't see that player out there. If others disagree that's fine, I can get that.

In reality we have Foden and Bernardo who will also be doubling as 2 of our 4 eights along with KDB and Kovacic. If we suffer any type of injuries we are exposed. Alvarez is not a proven option out wide at this time and the other 3 are to varying degrees nowhere near the level of being ready to play sustained minutes for us. If, for example Foden becomes the starter on the right and Bernardo starts in midfield along with KDB we are left with no proven depth behind Foden or Grealish and just Kovacic as depth for the 8 and the 6 as Phillips has become very worrisome even for me. Basically, we have 8 proven players in our front 6 if you include Alvarez as proven the others being KDB, Bernardo, Rodri, Haaland, Grealish, Foden, and Kovacic.

The truth of the matter is we are at the very least 3 legitimate players short in terms of playing 60 or so games and achieving the goals Pep and the club set forth. At least 1 wide man, 1 attacking mid, and another DM type.

This isn't a sky is falling call to arms flapping by me. I believe when put into any reasonable footballing context we are paper thin at this moment and not equipped to sustain deep runs in all comps as has been our norm under Pep.

In contrast our 2018-19 squad which won the domestic quad and was basically cheated out of a possible CL title had 11 legit guys in the front 6, Aguero, Sterling, Sane, Jesus, KDB, Gundo, D Silva, Bernardo, Mahrez. Ferna, and Foden.

All that being said I'm still expecting us to move for at least 1 wide forward/AM type (ideally 2) and possibly moving Phillips out and bringing in someone else whether it be a DM or another CM using Kovacic as Rodri's primary back up. If for whatever reason we decide to go with what we have currently I'll be very surprised.

 

[mattcity5]

In reality we have Foden and Bernardo who will also be doubling as 2 of our 4 eights along with KDB and Kovacic. If we suffer any type of injuries we are exposed. Alvarez is not a proven option out wide at this time and the other 3 are to varying degrees nowhere near the level of being ready to play sustained minutes for us. If, for example Foden becomes the starter on the right and Bernardo starts in midfield along with KDB we are left with no proven depth behind Foden or Grealish and just Kovacic as depth for the 8 and the 6 as Phillips has become very worrisome even for me. Basically, we have 8 proven players in our front 6 if you include Alvarez as proven the others being KDB, Bernardo, Rodri, Haaland, Grealish, Foden, and Kovacic.

The truth of the matter is we are at the very least 3 legitimate players short in terms of playing 60 or so games and achieving the goals Pep and the club set forth. At least 1 wide man, 1 attacking mid, and another DM type.

This isn't a sky is falling call to arms flapping by me. I believe when put into any reasonable footballing context we are paper thin at this moment and not equipped to sustain deep runs in all comps as has been our norm under Pep.

In contrast our 2018-19 squad which won the domestic quad and was basically cheated out of a possible CL title had 11 legit guys in the front 6, Aguero, Sterling, Sane, Jesus, KDB, Gundo, D Silva, Bernardo, Mahrez. Ferna, and Foden.

All that being said I'm still expecting us to move for at least 1 wide forward/AM type (ideally 2) and possibly moving Phillips out and bringing in someone else whether it be a DM or another CM using Kovacic as Rodri's primary back up. If for whatever reason we decide to go with what we have currently I'll be very surprised.

Totally understand this feeling. I've got faith the kids are good enough in most matches, but if forced to play them in tough matches it could be an issue.

I dont feel we necessarily need much though. If Phillips was good enough i feel like we'd have enough, but it's the possible need for Bernardo/Foden to move central that makes us look a little light.

 

[JewelZee]

Totally understand this feeling. I've got faith the kids are good enough in most matches, but if forced to play them in tough matches it could be an issue.

I dont feel we necessarily need much though. If Phillips was good enough i feel like we'd have enough, but it's the possible need for Bernardo/Foden to move central that makes us look a little light.

I guess I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding why we wouldn't move to at the very least bring in one experienced high level wide player to replace Mahrez who IMO is exactly that...

 

[Lavinda Past]

I guess I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding why we wouldn't move to at the very least bring in one experienced high level wide player to replace Mahrez who IMO is exactly that...

Mahrez was a genuine big match player, a game changer so many times, particularly in the CL.

That's exactly why Pep wanted to keep him.

That's exactly why we need to replace him, like for like.

I reckon we'll spend big on a winger in the next two weeks.

 

[JewelZee]

Mahrez was a genuine big match player, a game changer so many times, particularly in the CL.

That's exactly why Pep wanted to keep him.

That's exactly why we need to replace him, like for like.

I reckon we'll spend big on a winger in the next two weeks.

Agree 1000%!!!!

 

[SamBlue]

I am afraid Mahrez is irreplaceable right now, Pep kept it stoic in his press briefings, but what he said about his transfer was kick in the teeth for us. Didn't we just give him a contract extension?

 

[loio]

I see very few high class wingers on the market now.. that means you would have to pay over the top for them.
I´ll go through some of the suggestions Ive seen on here the last few weeks.

Raphinha - Barca losing Dembele will make Barca not wanna lose him as the would have accepted previously. Price probably well above Barcas purchasing price now. £55/€67m, would probably take £65/€75m now post Dembele.
Leao - would take a massive offer after his new contract, probably post 120m£ or so, I dont see it as feasible after he signed that deal that made them settle with his Sporting FIFA transfer debt as well. Wrong side as well.
Sané - Has Bayern or Sane even shown any inclination to let him go.. anyone of the Bayern wingers will be tough to get as they are not really on the market (cos Mané left today as well). If he pushes I see him as most likely out of Bayern though.
Coman - I dont see leaving, injury issues and would have a big price-tag, 70m+. City could try though, Bayern might think hes too injury-prone.
Gnabry - after he signed his new deal all the murmurings has stopped and it would take something big to change that.
Kvaratskhelia - Would take 150m+ and on the wrong wing
Diaby - Went to Villa
Dembele - going to PSG and injury prone.

On the market..
Chiesa - Could be gettable since Juve has indicated that him and Vlahovic are sellable assets.. big injury though and I dont feel he is anywhere near back to that level yet. 50m€? hard to call this ones price. At his best on the other side.
Brahim Diaz - Does not really fit into Reals system or starting eleven rotational players.. its really not as his best as a winger though and has shown zero indication that he wants to leave, will probably want a chance at Real this season before that. 40m€?

Younger not at this reputation level yet:
Olise - probably gettable, but not really proven yet even how much potential he has really.. 50+m£
Nico Williams - not good enough yet, but has not signed a new contract yet and has massive potential in my eyes, can play both wings and is gettable for a cheap price until he sings a new deal, no ione really knows what he wants though, £42m release clause.
Chukwueze - Just gone to Milan.
Yeremy Pino - Not at the required level and I dont know if he will get there.
Barcola - dont know enough about Barcola, except that he will cost more than PSGs 30m€ bid. prob like 45/40m£
Rodrigo Riquelme - Still at Atleti, not getting a lot minutes in pre-season though and then as a wingback.. would love the chance.
Eze - Would love Eze but I dont see him on the wing, inverted in some way then. 50m+

My alternative targets, just shooting, dont take it that seriously
Luiz Henrique
Isi Palazón
Kubo will be pricey
Berardi might be a dark horse.. not one of my favourites though. wants to leave
Luis Sinisterra - My favourite one of the Leeds winger boys, I see a good future. Injury prone thoguh and on the wrong side.

Next summer..

 

[DMA's]

Mahrez did a great job for us, but I don't think he was "exceptional". Just a very good player in an exceptional team. The team raises the output, it raised his goalscoring, it will raise others..

You only to have look at his stats at Leicester to see this isn’t true:

Champs league:

Leicester - 9 games - 4 goals & 2 assists
City - 46 games - 16 goals & 14 assists

Prem

Leicester - 139 games - 39 goals & 28 assists
city - 145 games - 43 goals & 37 assists

Mahrez was absolutely exceptional for us and Leicester. He is a true world class winger and we will sorely miss him imo. If any of the 3 youth players have half the career of mahrez they have done incredibly well.

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

I see very few high class wingers on the market now.. that means you would have to pay over the top for them.
I´ll go through some of the suggestions Ive seen on here the last few weeks.

Raphinha - Barca losing Dembele will make Barca not wanna lose him as the would have accepted previously. Price probably well above Barcas purchasing price now. £55/€67m, would probably take £65/€75m now post Dembele.
Leao - would take a massive offer after his new contract, probably post 120m£ or so, I dint see it as feasible after he signed that deal that made them dream with his Sporting FIFA transfer debt as well. Wrong side as well.
Sané - Has Bayern or Sane even shown any inclination to let him go.. anyone of the Bayern wingers will be tough to get as they are not really on the market. If he pushes I see him as most likely out of Bayern though.
Coman - I dont see leaving, injury issues and would have a big price-tag, 80m+
Gnabry - after he signed his new deal all the murmurings has stopped and it would take something big to change that.
Kvaratskhelia - Would take 150m+ and on the wrong wing
Diaby - Went to Villa

On the market..
Chiesa - Could be gettable since Juve has indicated that him and Vlahovic are sellable assets.. big injury though and I dont feel he is anywhere near back to that level yet. 50m€? hard to call this ones price. At his best on the other side.
Brahim Diaz - Does not really fit into Reals system or starting eleven rotational players.. its really not as his best as a winger though and has shown zero indication hat he wants to leave, will probably wants a chance at Real this season before that. 40m€?

Younger not at this reputation level yet:
Olise - probably gettable, but not really proven yet even how much potential he has really.. 50+m£
Nico Williams - not good enough yet, but has not signed a new contract yet and has massive potential in my eyes, can play both wings and is gettable for a cheap price until he sings a new deal, no ione really knows what he wants though, £42m release clause.
Chukwueze - Just gone to Milan.


Next summer..

Cheisa has turned down offers, wants to stay at Juve

 

[117 M34]

Totally understand this feeling. I've got faith the kids are good enough in most matches, but if forced to play them in tough matches it could be an issue.

I dont feel we necessarily need much though. If Phillips was good enough i feel like we'd have enough, but it's the possible need for Bernardo/Foden to move central that makes us look a little light.

It would be less of an issue if pep brought the kids on in games that were already won - for more than 2 minutes - so they could perform better when needed from the start.

 

[BlueRockape]

You only to have look at his stats at Leicester to see this isn’t true:

Champs league:

Leicester - 9 games - 4 goals & 2 assists
City - 46 games - 16 goals & 14 assists

Prem

Leicester - 139 games - 39 goals & 28 assists
city - 145 games - 43 goals & 37 assists

Mahrez was absolutely exceptional for us and Leicester. He is a true world class winger and we will sorely miss him imo. If any of the 3 youth players have half the career of mahrez they have done incredibly well.

The only player I can think of out there that maybe available to replicate those figures and step straight in is Kane