Man City Eyes RB Leipzig Star Dani Olmo to Replace Mahrez
The Manchester Saga: Chasing Dani Olmo as Mahrez Departs
As summer transfer rumours swirl, Manchester City’s gaze is firmly set on RB Leipzig sensation Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for departing star Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez’s Unexpected Exit
The Algerian winger, Riyad Mahrez, is reportedly closing a lucrative deal with Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League. The two-year contract is believed to be worth an eye-watering £43 million per season in wages, sources reveal. This unexpected move leaves a gaping hole in Pep Guardiola’s formidable City side that has enjoyed a treble-winning season.
New Hope in Dani Olmo
Guardiola and his staff are prepared to splash the cash in their bid to replace the outgoing Mahrez. The Spanish manager’s long-standing interest in Dani Olmo is no secret. Olmo, an integral part of RB Leipzig, has long been on City’s radar and could become the ideal replacement for Mahrez.
The Spanish international brings a prolific attacking record, having scored 55 goals and provided 57 assists in 247 total club appearances since his rise to prominence at Dinamo Zagreb in 2015. Last season, Olmo’s contributions were pivotal, with five goals and 11 assists across 31 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig.
Despite the departure of star players Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku to Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively, Leipzig appear to be in no rush to part ways with Olmo. However, if the right offer lands, they might reconsider.
Olmo’s Journey Ahead
Olmo recently inked a contract extension that keeps him at Leipzig until June 2027, signalling his commitment to the Bundesliga side. As a regular contributor to the Spanish national team with six goals in 31 caps, Olmo continues to make his mark on the international stage.
Consequences of a City Summer
City’s summer window is shaping up to be a challenging one. With potential loan moves for players like Cole Palmer leaving the Premier League champions potentially deficient in wide areas, the Olmo transfer becomes an increasingly attractive option for the Manchester side.
Having come through the ranks at Barcelona’s youth setup, Dani Olmo signed for RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2020 for a fee in the region of £26 million. Over the course of the last two years, he has made 102 appearances for the Red Bulls, scoring 13 goals and providing 24 assists. He has been a regular starter for Leipzig and praised his creativity and dribbling ability. He is seen as one of Europe’s most talented young players and is expected to have a bright future.
Even in the last campaign, the Spanish international was consistent and reliable in the attacking third, as he averaged 1.9 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga. He was also accurate with his ball distribution after completing 77.3% of his attempted passes in the German top flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Move In For Him This Summer?
Olmo was also linked with a move to Man City last summer, but a deal did not materialise any further in the heaps of speculation. However, should Riyad Mahrez make an exit to Saudi Arabia, the Sky Blues would have to bring in a decent replacement, and Olmo remains a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola.
Olmo remains a very creative player who is capable of creating chances for himself and his teammates in front of the goal. He has good vision to find his teammates on the run and is able to make incisive through balls to split the opposition’s defence. He is also a decent dribbler and is able to get past defenders with his pace and trickery from the wide areas.
The Spaniard’s versatility sets him apart from a traditional winger, as he can play on both flanks and as a number nine. Olmo is a proficient finisher, capable of finding the back of the net from various positions, both inside and outside the box. His shots carry power and precision as he accurately places them. Additionally, he excels in taking free kicks, with several impressive goals scored from set pieces.
Hence, Guardiola would be wise to secure his services in case Mahrez sets out for Saudi Arabia. The 25-year-old could be a long-term replacement for Mahrez, and he has the potential to grow into an outstanding player, much like the Moroccan international.
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