The Citizens saw one of their best wingers leave for Al Hilal ahead of the next season.
Manchester City failed to talk Riyad Mahrez out of moving to Al Hilal, Pep Guardiola admits.
Despite his reduced playing time, Mahrez still played an important role in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022-23. However, the Algerian star decided to end his spell at Etihad after receiving a mega offer from Saudi Arabia.
“We are not looking for a replacement of Riyad in terms of skill because every player is different,” Guardiola told City’s website.
“Saudi Arabia has changed the market. A few months ago, when Cristiano [Ronaldo] was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league.”
Man City will receive around £30m from Al Hilal for Mahrez. The Saudi Pro club has agreed to pay £45m per year to the former Leicester City winger.
Guardiola added: “In the future there will be more and that’s why clubs need to be aware of what is happening. Riyad got an incredible offer [from Al-Ahli] and that’s why we could not say ‘don’t do it’.”
Another experienced star, Kyle Walker, could leave Man City this summer. But the Citizens are yet to reach an agreement with Bayern Munich over his possible transfer.
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