Mercato: snubbed by Messi, Al-Hilal target Mahrez
While Lionel Messi has opted to join MLS side Inter Miami, Saudi club Al-Hilal have decided to target Manchester City's Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.
Despite an offer of almost 400 million euros a year, Al-Hilal failed to convince Lionel Messi to join Saudi Arabia. Having reached the end of his contract at PSG and also being courted by Barcelona, the Argentine preferred to accept the offer from MLS side Inter Miami.
According to RMC Sport, the Saudi club has made a "substantial" offer for Riyad Mahrez (32), who is not always a regular starter for Manchester City, although he does play regularly. The details of the offer have not yet been revealed.
Mahrez wants to stay in Europe, but...
According to RMC Sport, Mahrez still wants to play in Europe, and a move to Saudi Arabia seems unlikely. " But, as with Karim Benzema, Saudi soccer's decision-makers have already shown that they know how to be persuasive," reminds the French media outlet.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Al-Hilal's interest in Mahrez. The Italian journalist points out, however, that Manchester City have yet to receive an offer and will demand a hefty fee to let go of their player, under contract until 2025.
Saudi side Al-Ahli interest in Riyad Mahrez, confirmed and concrete as they want to sign Algerian star - but Manchester City have not been approached yet at this stage. 🔵 MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2023
Man City would require a consistent fee for Mahrez, no chance to let him leave for free. pic.twitter.com/TAFb4viGih