After a mixed debut season with Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez is expected to remain at the club next year, with his contract running until 2023. The Algerian winger, who joined the Citizens in July 2018 for €67.8 million from Leicester City, has experienced a challenging first campaign in Pep Guardiola’s squad, largely occupying a substitute role despite appearing in 43 matches across all competitions.
Mahrez started just 14 Premier League games this season, reflecting Guardiola’s cautious integration of the former Premier League champion into a team already brimming with established stars. Nevertheless, Mahrez has contributed significantly when called upon, registering 12 goals and 12 assists. His ability to make decisive contributions off the bench has highlighted his quality and adaptability, even if consistent starts have been limited.
In comments reported by Sky Sports following Manchester City’s league title triumph, Mahrez expressed his determination to prove himself within Guardiola’s system. “It’s not easy to join a team that’s already well established, with excellent players. This team achieved everything last season. I knew it wouldn’t be easy in my first year, but I’m very confident and I have no doubt about my ability,” he said. The winger emphasized his belief in taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, citing his goal against Brighton in a 4-1 victory as an example of his readiness to impact games whenever selected.
Mahrez also made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Manchester City due to limited playing time. “I’m very happy here. I’m not going anywhere else because I’m not playing. That’s part of the game. I have to be strong, stay strong. It’s part of my personality; I never hide anything from myself,” he added, underlining his professional attitude and resilience in adapting to a highly competitive squad.
Despite the challenges of integrating into a team of City’s caliber, Mahrez’s first season demonstrates his quality, work ethic, and potential to grow within Guardiola’s system. His ability to combine goals and assists, even from the bench, has contributed to the club’s successful campaign and signals that he remains a key option for the Algerian international moving forward. With another season ahead at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez appears determined to establish himself as a more regular presence in the starting XI, aiming to justify the significant investment City made when acquiring him from Leicester.
The upcoming year will be crucial for Mahrez to solidify his role and earn Guardiola’s full trust, but his confidence, talent, and proven impact suggest that he has the tools to thrive and play a central role in Manchester City’s continued pursuit of domestic and European success.
