Mahrez’s ‘incredible’ rise to be £60m star

Pep gives a space and freedom to his players, but in a strict framework. He demands a lot and I think that’s necessary for Riyad.

“I think that now is the right time for him to move and face the really high demands of a club like Manchester City.”

Guardiola was on the verge of the Bundesliga title with Bayern when Mahrez arrived at Leicester.

The former Barcelona boss was the best-known manager on the planet, while Mahrez was an anonymous Algerian in a sea of foreign Premier League talent.

The thought of shelling out £60m on him would have been as laughable as Leicester winning the title. Mahrez, though, has proved it pays to think big, something Guardiola has always encouraged his players to do. Breaking into a midfield with Kevin De Bruyne (left), Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and David Silva would be a feat in itself, but Mahrez has proved, time and again, that he is among the most gifted players in Europe. Leicester reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2016/17, losing to Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City also reached the last eight last season before being humbled by Liverpool – a defeat that showed Guardiola’s men face a battle to be considered among the European elite.

Mahrez, though, has added further artillery to Guardiola’s side and Mombaerts believes the move won’t backfire.

He said: “Having won the title at Leicester, experienced Champions League football and also international matches, for me, he seems more ready to make this move than maybe he was.”

The wise money is on Mahrez continuing to defy the odds.