Pep Guardiola has undoubtedly had more hits than misses in the transfer market since his arrival at Manchester City in 2016. Over the years, he has signed some world-class talent that has propelled the club to new heights, with multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy. However, despite this impressive track record, not all of Guardiola’s decisions in the transfer market have been spot-on. Some recent signings have raised questions, and there have been moments where Guardiola’s player recruitment has been less than ideal. The likes of Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku may eventually prove their worth, but it remains to be seen whether they will ever hit the level of some of City’s more successful signings. Nevertheless, Guardiola and Manchester City are facing a crucial summer transfer window in 2025, as the club looks to refresh its squad and add some elite talent to continue competing at the highest level.
One of the most notable departures in recent times was that of Riyad Mahrez, who left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023. The transfer, which was valued at around £30 million, marked the end of Mahrez’s successful six-year spell at City, where he had been a key player under Guardiola. During his time in Manchester, Mahrez made a significant impact, registering 78 goals and 56 assists in 236 appearances across all competitions. His contributions helped Manchester City win numerous domestic titles, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the long-awaited Champions League trophy in 2023. Despite this, Guardiola made the decision to let Mahrez leave the club, and many have since questioned whether this was the right call.
Since joining Al-Ahli, Mahrez has continued to impress, demonstrating that his skill set is still very much intact, despite being 34 years old. While some might argue that the standard of football in the Saudi Pro League is lower than that of the Premier League, Mahrez’s numbers since his move have been exceptional. In 68 appearances for Al-Ahli, he has scored 25 goals and provided 27 assists, which is an impressive return given the level of competition. These statistics are certainly difficult to ignore, and it raises the question of whether Guardiola allowed Mahrez to leave too soon.
It is important to note that Mahrez has never been a player who relied on blistering pace to make an impact. Instead, his technical ability, vision, and knack for creating and scoring goals have always been the core components of his game. These qualities have remained intact even as he has entered the latter stages of his career. The fact that Mahrez is still able to produce such impressive numbers in Saudi Arabia suggests that, at least in terms of his ability to contribute to a team, he still has a lot to offer. This raises the question of whether Guardiola could have fought harder to keep the Algerian at Manchester City, especially considering the club’s struggles during the 2024-2025 season.
When comparing Mahrez to other high-profile players who have made the move to Saudi Arabia in recent years, it becomes clear that his numbers are not just a product of the standard of the league. Take Sadio Mane, for example, who joined Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich. Mane, who is two years younger than Mahrez, has managed to score 28 goals and provide 21 assists in 83 appearances for the Saudi club. While these are solid numbers, they fall short of Mahrez’s output in fewer games, which further highlights the impressive nature of the Algerian’s performances.
Another notable comparison is Roberto Firmino, the Brazilian forward who moved to Al-Ahli from Liverpool. Firmino, who is also 33 years old, has contributed 19 goals and 14 assists in 62 appearances for the Saudi side. While Firmino’s numbers are certainly respectable, they do not match up to Mahrez’s output in fewer games. These comparisons suggest that Mahrez’s continued success in Saudi Arabia is not just a case of lower competition but a testament to his enduring quality as a footballer.
Looking at Manchester City’s current struggles in the 2024-2025 season, it is difficult not to think that someone like Mahrez would have been a valuable asset for Guardiola. With City experiencing inconsistency in their performances, especially in the absence of some of their key attacking players, the addition of a player like Mahrez would have given the team another creative outlet and a proven goal scorer. His ability to score from wide positions, deliver dangerous crosses, and create opportunities for his teammates would have been an invaluable asset in a season where City has sometimes struggled to break down teams.
Guardiola has always been known for his willingness to let players go if they express a desire to leave, and Mahrez was no exception to this rule. The Algerian winger, who had been a key player for City since his arrival in 2018, had reportedly wanted a new challenge, and Guardiola did not stand in his way. While this approach has worked for Guardiola in the past, particularly when it comes to players who no longer fit into his tactical setup or who are unwilling to fight for their place in the squad, Mahrez’s departure is one that many City fans now feel could have been handled differently. Guardiola’s decision to let Mahrez go, despite his continued importance to the team, is one that will likely be debated for years to come.
It is also worth noting that Mahrez’s departure is part of a broader trend at Manchester City, where several key players have moved on in recent years. This includes the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, who left for Barcelona in 2023 after a successful spell at City, and Gabriel Jesus, who joined Arsenal in 2022. While City has been able to replace these players with high-quality additions, the departures have left a gap in the squad, particularly in terms of attacking creativity and experience. Mahrez, in particular, was known for his ability to produce moments of magic, whether it was with a precise cross, a dribble, or a crucial goal. His departure has left a void in City’s attack that has been hard to fill.
Despite the challenges that City has faced this season, Guardiola remains one of the most successful and respected managers in world football. His ability to rebuild and reshape his squad has been a key factor in City’s success over the years. However, even the most successful managers are not immune to mistakes, and Guardiola’s decision to let Mahrez leave could be seen as one of those moments. While the Algerian’s move to Saudi Arabia has proven to be a success for him, it is possible that his continued presence at City could have made a significant difference in their fortunes this season.
In the coming summer transfer window, Manchester City will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen their squad, particularly in areas where they have lacked depth. Given the reported £189 million windfall from player sales and releases, the club is in a position to make some significant moves in the market. Guardiola will likely be looking to add top-class players to reinvigorate the team and provide fresh competition for places. However, it is also clear that the club needs to be more cautious with their player recruitment, ensuring that they do not repeat past mistakes.
In hindsight, it may be that Guardiola should have fought harder to keep Mahrez at City. While the player’s departure may have made sense at the time, given his desire for a new challenge, his continued success in Saudi Arabia and the current struggles of Manchester City suggest that Mahrez could have been a valuable asset to the team. In any case, Guardiola and City must now look forward and focus on rebuilding the squad for the future, learning from past decisions and ensuring that they continue to compete at the highest level.
As for Mahrez, his decision to move to Al-Ahli has been a successful one, and he continues to demonstrate that, despite his age, he remains one of the most talented and influential players in the game. While his time at Manchester City has come to an end, his legacy at the club is secure, and his continued success in Saudi Arabia serves as a reminder of the quality that Guardiola allowed to leave. Whether Guardiola made a mistake in letting Mahrez go is a question that will likely be debated for some time, but what is certain is that Mahrez’s time at City will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike.
