City may need Mahr options on right flank!

RIYAD Mahrez's time at City may be coming to an end.

- DANIEL MURPHY

Last summer it was Raheem Sterling who departed from the forward ranks and Mahrez remained, extending his contract by a further two years to tie him to the club until 2025. But 12 months on and things no longer look quite as rosy.

Mahrez finished the 2021/22 season as City's top goalscorer and City relied upon him to get the bulk of the goals after failing in their attempts to bring in Harry Kane as Sergio Aguero's replacement. But with Erling Haaland arriving to surpass his tally of 24 goals by December 28 and come close to doubling it by the end of the season, there was no longer such a need for goal supstart-port from the flanks.

Yet, Mahrez was far more involved this past campaign, ing 35 times in all competitions and 22 in the Premier League, than he was the year previous when only 14 of his 29 starts actually came in the league. Though not relied upon to get all the goals - he still contributed 15 to the treble with a further 13 assists - he was clearly still an important player for Pep Guardiola.