Barcelona set sights on Manchester City’s 30-year-old forward for the winter

Barcelona’s transfer strategy has seen a sharp turn in the past week. While the focus under Ronald Koeman was to secure another winger, the approach is now no longer the same.

Xavi Hernandez has not held back while explaining his system to the media. The Spaniard has repeatedly stressed the importance of wingers in his team.

Moreover, his admiration of Ousmane Dembele and the idea of bringing back Fransisco Trincao from loan further add substance to this theory.

That said, Barcelona are said to be on the hunt for a winger from Manchester City in the coming window.

According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona are eyeing Pep Guardiola’s winger Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international has reappeared on the Catalan wishlist and presents another option to strengthen the attack.

Mahrez has been a mainstay at Manchester City since his move from Leicester City in 2018. His statistics have been excellent for a winger, and he has often stepped up on the big occasions.

Last season, the 30-year-old started 23 Premier League games for the blues of Manchester. He scored nine goals while also recording six assists in the league. In addition, he produced close to two key passes every game.

Coming from Manchester City, the player would have no problem integrating into Xavi’s possession-based system.

Mahrez is not the only City player to be linked to Barça, though. Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, and most extensively Raheem Sterling have been rumoured to join the Catalan giants.

Also read: “I’m convinced they can get any of our players”: Pep comments on Sterling to Barcelona links

Moreover, it would be a good move for Mahrez on multiple levels. The winger faces intense competition at Etihad with names like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in the mix. He would be an undisputed starter at Barcelona, but will probably have to negotiate down his hefty salary.