PEP PUTS HIS FAITH IN RIYAD
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE S New deal for Mahrez after Guardiola decides he doesn’t need rival Sterling
RIYAD Mahrez has signed a two- year extension to his contract at Manchester City.
The Algerian winger, who joined the club from Leicester four years ago, has committed his future to City until June 2025.
Mahrez has made 189 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 63 goals with 45 assists in a trophyladen spell that has included three Premier League titles, three League Cups and one FA Cup.
The 31- year- old said: “I’m very happy to sign the new deal. I have enjoyed every single minute of my time here. It’s a pleasure to be part of such an incredible club.
“To have helped us achieve the success we have enjoyed in the past four seasons has been unforgettable and made us all hungry to look to achieve even more.
“I would also like to thank Pep,
Txiki Begiristain and the coaching staff, both for the way they have helped me to develop as a player and for pushing me to continue to improve.
“Now I just want to try and play my part in helping us be successful next season and beyond.”
Mahrez only started just over half of City’s games last season but chipped in with 24 goals and looks set to play a key role this term following the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.
Director of football Begiristain said: “Riyad has played a major part in our success in the four years since he joined us, and we are all delighted he has agreed this new deal.
“He has brought so much to the club with his skill, talent, commitment, and desire to win evident from the moment he first arrived. I also know that Pep and the coaching staff relish working with Riyad.
“He is one of the most exciting wingers operating in the game and we are all very excited to know he will be part of our ongoing drive to try and achieve more success.”
■ RAPHINHA has completed his move from LEEDS to Barcelona, the club have announced.
The Brazil winger is set to be officially unveiled in Spain following the conclusion of a deal reportedly worth in excess of £ 50million.
Leeds said in a statement: “Leeds United can confirm Raphinha has today completed a transfer to FC Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
Leeds had announced earlier this week they had agreed a deal “in principle” with Barcelona, ending the interest of a number of clubsl.
Despite their well- documented cash- flow problems, Barcelona indicated their ability to finance a deal for the 25- year- old which could rise to a reported £ 54.7m including add- ons.
Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes on deadline day in October 2020 for a reported fee of £ 17m and went to make 67 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.
Leeds added in the statement: “We would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to Raphinha for his effort and contribution whilst at the football club.
“He showed commitment and professionalism until the very end of his time at Elland Road and his celebrations at Brentford will live long in the memory.
“Everyone at Leeds would like to wish Raphinha the very best for the future and hope he enjoys great success at the Nou Camp.”
Leeds have signed six new players
since retaining Premier League status on the final day last season, while Raphinha’s departure follows the sale of Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City for £ 45m.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST have signed Wayne Hennessey from Burnley.
The 35- year- old has agreed a twoyear contract at the City Ground ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League.
He will challenge Dean Henderson for the gloves following the latter’s season- long loan move from Manchester United and boasts 183 Premier League appearances.
The Wales international said: “I’ve come up against Forest a lot in the past and it’s a fantastic club.
“There’s a great fanbase and the atmosphere at the City Ground is up there with the best in the game. It’ll be a different level now that we’re back in the Premier League.
“I have also played with and against a few of the Forest players. It’s a very exciting time to come on board and I can’t wait to get involved and start training here at the Nigel Doughty Academy.”
Hennessey, who played just two times for the Clarets last season, joins a growing Welsh contingent in the East Midlands, where he will play alongside international teammates Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams.
Forest manager Steve Cooper is delighted with the move, adding: “Wayne is an excellent goalkeeper who has proven himself at the highest level over many years.
“He’s helped Wales reach new heights in the international game and he has a wealth of Premier League experience.
“However, Wayne is also a great character and he is a very strong addition to the Nottingham Forest dressing room.”