EVEN if they do go on to win the Premier League title, it appears inevitable Leicester will lose a number of their stars over the summer as the big boys of world football look to splash the cash.
Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy are the most obvious targets – despite the fact the latter only recently agreed a new long-term deal with the Foxes.
Mahrez will be offered a fresh and vastly improved contract but with Barcelona now joining the chase for the Algerian playmaker, it’s hard to see him starting next season at Leicester.
The Daily Mirror reports:
“The Premier League leaders have been planning contract talks with Mahrez – who only signed a new £35,000-a-week, four-year deal last summer – but are already becoming resigned to losing the playmaker and goalscorer.
“Leicester are prepared to more than double his wages but interest from Barcelona is growing and sources close to the player say he has his heart set on a move to the La Liga giants.
“And a fresh £75,000-a-week package – similar to the one agreed by Jamie Vardy – will be nowhere near enough to keep Mahrez with the Foxes.”
While Mahrez has been a vital part of Leicester’s remarkable season, he obviously would not be guaranteed a start – or even a substantial amount of playing time – in Barca’s star-studded line-up.
There are a number of Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea among them – that are also extremely keen on the 25-year-old who would probably be available for somewhere around the £25million mark.
But the lure of the Nou Camp might outweigh any concerns about playing time and we think that if the Spanish giants come calling, that’s where Mahrez will end up.
Is Mahrez good enough for Barcelona and would Barca fans like to see him in their colours?
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