Riyad Mahrez could be set for Manchester City return on loan this summer | OneFootball

A remarkable claim from Algerian media has suggested Riyad Mahrez could make a short-term return to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this summer.

Off the back of a sensational five-season stay at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez brought an end to his Manchester City career following the historic Treble-winning campaign of 2022/23 that featured his and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.

Transfer rumours concerning the Algerian superstar were widespread in the summer that followed as the winger became a standout target for the Saudi Pro League, and Manchester City ultimately reaching a big-money agreement on the Premier League icon.

It was widely reported towards the end of July 2023 that Etihad Stadium officials had agreed a £30 million fee with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli for the former Leicester City winger, with Mahrez and his contract until 2027 confirmed on July 28 2023.

Now, having recently been crowned a champion with Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite, a staggering claim from Northern African media is suggesting that a short-term reunion between Manchester City and the player could be on the cards.

That is according to the information of Algerian outlet La Gazette du Fennec, who are claiming that Manchester City and Riyad Mahrez are in ‘advanced negotiations’ over a short-term return to Pep Guardiola’s side for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The report points out that other global superstars not already due to compete at the tournament are being tipped with appearances, with Cristiano Ronaldo said to be in negotiations with Egyptian side Al Ahly.

From the side of 34-year-old winger Mahrez, the former Manchester City star is said to be excited by the idea of ​​playing at the tournament, with it now being up to the Etihad Stadium side and Al-Ahli to reach an agreement on the terms of any potential deal.

Pep Guardiola and his players have already been made aware of their initial three opponents at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, with their group stage opponents being Italy’s Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC, and the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain.

Manchester City will come into the tournament as the reigning Champions of the competition having claimed the title in its old format back in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia, with the subsequent 2024 edition cancelled ahead of the revamp and tournament expansion.

Despite their struggles across competitions this season, with the exception of the FA Cup, Manchester City have continued to boast their gold ‘World champions’ badge on the front of their shirts in light of their 2023 success against Urawa Reds and Fluminense.