City has not included Mahrez in their 25-man squad for the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, as he is expected to undergo a medical with Al-Ahli before completing his transfer. Mahrez, who spent five successful years at the Etihad Stadium, accumulated an impressive record of 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 games across all competitions, winning 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
According to The Mirror, Manchester City is considering Raphinha, a left-footed winger, as a potential replacement for Mahrez. However, Barcelona needs to generate funds from player sales to register their new signings, including ex-Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who joined the club on a free transfer the previous month.
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United last summer for a fee of approximately £55m, plus add-ons. In his debut season with the Catalan giants, he won the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022-23 campaign. Despite facing competition from players like Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres, Raphinha managed to start 36 games and made 14 substitute appearances in all competitions, registering 10 goals and 12 assists.
While Raphinha still has four years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, there have been persistent rumors linking him with a potential summer departure after just one year in Catalonia. Nonetheless, the Brazil international has expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona and confirmed last month that he intends to begin the 2023-24 season with the club, despite reported interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Bayern Munich.
