Manchester City Eyeing RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo as Potential Riyad Mahrez Replacement

Manchester City’s pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo could intensify if Riyad Mahrez departs from the club during the summer transfer window. While the Premier League champions rejected an £18 million bid from Al-Ahli for Mahrez, they anticipate an improved offer from the Saudi Arabian club.

Mahrez, the 32-year-old winger, has been with Manchester City for the past five seasons, delivering an impressive record of 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 appearances. Alongside his individual accomplishments, he has secured 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles.

Although Mahrez still has two years remaining on his contract with the Etihad Stadium outfit, reports suggest that he is leaning towards a new experience in the Middle East. Personal terms are believed to have been agreed with Al-Ahli.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Mahrez’s future at Manchester City, the club has reportedly identified Dani Olmo, the Spanish international playing for RB Leipzig, as a potential replacement. Manager Pep Guardiola and the club hierarchy have long admired Olmo, and they may firm up their interest in the versatile attacker if Mahrez departs.

RB Leipzig, however, are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old, as he recently signed a new four-year contract with the Bundesliga club, committing him until June 2027. Having already seen midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai depart to Liverpool, Leipzig may be reluctant to lose another key player this summer.

Olmo’s versatility and skill have attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and his former club Barcelona. He began his career in Barcelona’s youth system before joining Dinamo Zagreb.

Operating comfortably as an advanced midfielder or across the front three, Olmo has become a vital player for Leipzig since joining the club. In 124 appearances across all competitions, he has contributed 21 goals and 28 assists. Although hampered by injuries in recent seasons, Olmo managed to make an impact, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in 31 matches during the 2022-23 campaign. His contributions were instrumental in Leipzig securing their second consecutive DFB-Pokal title.

Apart from Olmo, Manchester City has also expressed strong interest in Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. The 21-year-old Croatian has been identified as Guardiola’s primary target for the upcoming season. While personal terms have been agreed upon with Gvardiol, negotiations with Leipzig continue, as the club refuses to lower their €100 million (£85.4 million) valuation of the player.