Riyad Mahrez has not been linked with a move to Newcastle United, nor does he fit the brief of what Eddie Howe is looking for. However, Stan Collymore thinks the Magpies should be doing everything they can to sign him.
Collymore has tipped Mahrez to leave Manchester City this summer, and believes Newcastle should be all over him if he does become available.
Big names are expected to arrive at St James’ Park ahead of next season – especially if we qualify for the Champions League. That is a very real possibility after Sunday’s 6-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur.
It has been reported that as many as four elite players could join Newcastle if Champions League football is secured, and Mahrez certainly falls into that bracket.
Collymore has been full of praise for the 32-year-old winger, and believes he is someone that Howe should be looking to sign very soon.
Stan Collymore wants Newcastle to sign Riyad Mahrez
The former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest forward has spoke to Caught Offside about Mahrez’s future at Manchester City, and tipped Newcastle to make a move for him.
“Riyad Mahrez is a player I think Newcastle should be seriously considering,” he said.
“I know he’s played a fair amount of football this season, probably more than he was expecting, but with Jack Grealish the younger of the two, as well as how much they paid for him, I can’t see him being a player that is moved on, whereas, I think Mahrez could be made surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola, and should that be the case, Newcastle should go all out for him – I would be stunned if they aren’t already to be fair.”
No chance of this happening
There are multiple reasons why Mahrez, who cost Man City £60million in 2018, will not be joining Newcastle this summer.
Firstly, his age. At 32, he would become the oldest player signed by the new regime. While he does have valuable experience, Newcastle are going to want someone much younger who can grow and develop at St James’ Park.
Secondly, his wages. The Algerian earns £160,000-a-week at Man City, which is more than anyone is currently earning at Newcastle. Why would Toon officials break their wage structure for a player who will have no resale value?
Thirdly, he is not available at the moment. While Collymore’s logic for Man City getting rid of Mahrez made sense, it feels unlikely they would want him to join Newcastle. They sold two players to Arsenal last summer, and they are now challenging each other for the Premier League title. Surely they won’t want to make that mistake again.
There is no denying Mahrez’s talent. He is an exceptional footballer who has actually gotten better since his Leicester City exploits. He’s got 15 goals and eight assists this season, which is a remarkable tally.
But Collymore is dreaming if he thinks Newcastle will be eyeing up a move for the four-time Premier League winner.
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