Manchester City looking to 'the new Sadio Mane' to replace Riyad Mahrez: report

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates their sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Isaac Parkin - MCFC/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Manchester City have added another starlet to their list to replace Riyad Mahrez, as Pep Guardiola reshapes his Treble-winning squad.

After five years at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez departed Manchester City for Al Ahli to become one of several high-profile new Saudi Pro League stars. Though the Algerian lost his place to Bernardo Silva as a regular in the starting lineup last season, it is thought that Guardiola will look to replace the player directly, with the Catalan recently speaking about the impact of Saudi Arabia's top division signing the likes of Mahrez.

"I think the Saudi league has changed the market," Guardiola said of the league's emergence. "Many things happened unexpectedly. Just a few months ago, a year ago, when Cristiano [Ronaldo] was the only one to go, then no one could imagine the amount of top, top players, quality, extraordinary players going to play in the Saudi league."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during his side's Premier League win over Leeds in May 2023.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will look to replace Riyad Mahrez (Image credit: Getty Images)

Italian transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Belgian winger Jeremy Doku is of interest to the European champions as they look to rebuild their side.

"Alongside Michael Olise (who’s in both City and Chelsea lists), Doku is one of the priority names being considered by Man City," he tweeted.

Previously linked with the likes of Liverpool, the Rennes wide man is one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe right now, with former manager, Julien Stefan, comparing him to Reds great Sadio Mane.

"I don’t really like the comparison game, but [he] reminds of Sadio Mane at Metz, who scored just two goals," Stefan said. "He’s a player with huge potential. He’s hard working."

Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku in action for Belgium (Image credit: Getty)

Manchester City are still chasing a deal for Josko Gvardiol, with the left-sided defender likely to remain a priority before any attacking reinforcements are brought in.

Doku is valued at €28 million by Transfermarkt

More Manchester City stories

After securing a historic TrebleManchester City transfer news is gathering steam ahead of next season.

Jude Bellingham reportedly turned down the new European champions after taking inspiration from Erling Haaland's career path – though Alphonso Davies could move to the Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola's side are looking to bring in Josko Gvardiol in defence, though, having already signed Matteo Kovacic this summer. 

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

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