The signing of Riyad Mahrez by Leicester City proved to be a stroke of genius, playing a crucial role in the historic 2015-2016 season when the Foxes shocked the football world by winning the Premier League under Claudio Ranieri. Mahrez, purchased from Le Havre in 2014 for a mere £400,000, became a key component of Leicester’s success and earned legendary status for his contributions.
In the title-winning campaign, Mahrez registered 17 goals and 10 assists in 37 league appearances, showcasing his skill and becoming an integral part of Leicester folklore. Despite some criticism for the manner of his exit, the profit generated from the initial low-cost investment further solidified Mahrez’s status as a Leicester legend.
Mahrez’s journey with Leicester began after the team secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in a decade. In the 2014/15 season, Mahrez played a vital role in retaining top-flight status, contributing four goals and
three assists. He signed a new four-year contract with the club, and in the subsequent title-winning season, Mahrez scored prolifically, including a Premier League hat-trick against Swansea City.
His outstanding performances led to several accolades, including being named in the PFA Team of the Year and winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, becoming the first African and Algerian to achieve these honors. Despite an underwhelming 12th-placed finish in the following season, Mahrez helped Leicester reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
After expressing his intention to leave Leicester in 2017, Mahrez secured a move to Manchester City for a reported £60 million, making him the most expensive African footballer at the time. He remained a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups during his five-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.
Mahrez’s significant impact continued as he moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he has maintained impressive goal and assist contributions. Reflecting on his time at Leicester, Mahrez is considered one of the best signings in the club’s history. His ability to inspire the team, produce extraordinary moments, and the astronomical profit gained on their initial investment make him an unparalleled figure in Leicester’s recent history. While Jamie Vardy is acknowledged for his incredible rise, Mahrez’s achievements and contributions cement his place as Leicester City’s best-ever signing. The unexpected breakthrough and success Leicester enjoyed with Mahrez make finding another such talent at a nominal fee a challenging task. Leicester supporters are considered privileged to have witnessed the growth of a player who evolved into one of the best footballers globally.
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