Riyad Mahrez appears to be on his way out of Manchester City, and Live Cricket BPL views this moment as the possible end of an era. The Algerian winger was noticeably absent from City’s preseason tour of Japan and South Korea alongside his treble-winning teammates, as he prepares for a move to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. After years of hard work, everything seems to be falling into place just the way he hoped. From City’s perspective, parting with a 32-year-old who didn’t start in the Champions League or FA Cup finals while still gaining a transfer fee is smart business.

Live Cricket BPL stats show Mahrez won 10 major trophies in five seasons at City—a record that would make any professional proud. Still, there’s no denying that the club is losing a crucial contributor, even if media narratives often overlooked his importance. For Pep Guardiola’s side, the true weight of Mahrez’s absence may not be felt until late in the new season, when the stakes rise and someone needs to step up in critical moments.

His debut season at the Etihad came with the usual growing pains, a rite of passage for any new arrival at the club. He wore a brave smile, even when it hurt. When Jack Grealish arrived, Mahrez faced increased competition, but he responded by boosting his goal tally and staying impactful in big games. Even as Bernardo Silva edged ahead of him in the right-wing pecking order, Mahrez kept fighting from the bench, delivering standout performances against Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Sheffield United.

His hat trick in the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley was historic—it made him the first player ever to score three goals in that stage of the competition and the first City player to do so at Wembley. Yet ironically, that career-defining feat became a turning point. Guardiola later admitted he failed to convince Mahrez of how vital he was to the club. Despite his heroics, Mahrez did not start in the FA Cup or Champions League finals.

Once those decisions were made, there was little left Guardiola could do to reaffirm Mahrez’s value. So it’s only fair that at this stage of his career, Mahrez seeks a new chapter—one that offers long-term security and a lucrative contract to support his young family. He helped transform Manchester City from hopeful contenders to true champions, culminating in their treble-winning triumph. Once grounded for the team, he now flies free for himself.

Throughout City’s rise from strength to dominance, Mahrez played a crucial yet often underappreciated role, instilling belief where it was lacking. Regardless of his personal journey, Live Cricket BPL analysts believe City will also find clarity in his departure, using this transition to navigate the post-treble summer transfer window with confidence and purpose.