Leicester City: Who will be the heir to Riyad Mahrez’s throne?

Daniel James

Much hype was given to Daniel James when he joined Manchester United for £15 million in summer 2019, and thus he was thrown into the deep end. Two years later, and the 23-year-old Welshman is now on the fringes of the Red Devils side, and reportedly up for sale.

James possesses a frightening turn of pace, just remember his goal against Brentford a couple of seasons ago; yet too often lacks the finish to match. This has led to him gaining a reputation as a ‘pace merchant’. Yet, Dan has said he is “nowhere near his potential” and has much to improve. A positive attitude is undoubtedly the first step to success.

With James featuring at the Euros this summer, this remains an opportunity to impress either his parent club or potential buyers, LCFC included. This could give a better indication of whether a transfer is viable, although international tournaments can often give players an unfairly inflated or deflated reputation.

Would the winger be good enough to command a starting berth at Leicester City? Probably not, although Brendan Rodgers has a reputation for taking ‘silver medalists’ and improving them. Therefore, there may be a place for James as a rotation player, since he can play on both wings. On the surface, this may seem an unspectacular deal, but don’t be too surprised if James finds a move to the Foxes next season.

Chance of happening: 7/10; Chance of him taking Riyad’s throne: 4/10

A sensational return for Riyad to Leicester City?

Would the magician himself return to the club that made him into a world superstar? Mahrez has gone from strength to strength since leaving Leicester City, being particularly impressive last campaign. Despite this, the departure of Citizen legend Sergio Aguero has led to reports of several players including Mahrez, being sold to fund a star replacement.

It would be sensational for Mahrez to return, even for those fans that have booed his returns to the KPS. Unfortunately, despite the reports, Mahrez himself stated (according to DZ football) “There is nothing about my future. I am well in Manchester. I will stay God Willing.” Secondly, it is highly unlikely the Foxes would be able to afford to either repurchase their once star asset or pay his extremely high wages. It was worth dreaming about though, right?

Chance of happening: 5000/1- Nothing is ever impossible?