Riyad Mahrez Signs Four-Year Deal With Leicester City

Riyad Mahrez has signed a new four-year contract with reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.

Riyad Mahrez Signs Four-Year Deal With Leicester City

The 25-year-old Algerian winger had been linked with making a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

However, Mahrez has chosen to follow striker Jamie Vardy in committing his future to manager Claudio Ranieri’s club until June 2020.

Wes Morgan, Kasper Schmeichel and Andy King also recently signed new contracts with Leicester.

Mahrez scored 17 goals and assisted 11 as the Foxes captured a Premier League title last season, to the surprise of many.

The Algerian, who was on target in a 2-1 defeat at Hull City in the opening game of 2016-2017, was named PFA Player of the Year following his stunning campaign.

In an interview with France Football, he said: “[The Premier League] is a super league and I would like to stay here as long as possible.

“Now, there are two or three clubs in the world, that if they come for me, it definitely makes you think, if you understand what I am trying to say.”

Ranieri said that his expectations for Mahrez, now that the winger is joining his squad, are high.

“We are now in the Champions League and we need something more to play against the big teams,” the manager said. “Now he knows very well what I want and my expectations are higher. Not only for Riyad but for all my players.

“I was so sure [he would stay], it was only speculation with first Vardy and then Mahrez and we only lost [N’Golo] Kanté. Now it’s important to stay together.

Mahrez first joined Leicester City from French second-tier team Le Havre in January 2014.

OXFORD, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the pre-season friendly between Oxford City and Leicester City at Kassam Stadium on July 19, 2016 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena