Why Riyad Mahrez Would Be a Bad Transfer Option for Barcelona

Barcelona need reinforcements.

It was clear in the summer, when the legendary Xavi Hernandez departed. It was clearer at the end of the transfer window, after Pedro Rodriguez signed for Chelsea. And it was clearer still when Rafinha Alcantara sustained a long-term injury against Roma in the Champions League this week.

Of course, they have not been able to register new players for two transfer windows, because of the FIFA sanctions on the club.

According to Sport, they will not be allowed to register the two players they have bought until January 4.

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This is despite injury regulations meaning that a long-term problem, like the one that will keep Rafinha out for more than six months, is cause for a new player to be registered.

When the winter window comes around, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal can both be registered, and that will give the Catalans more security.

Arda is a versatile attacking midfielder, who can work on either flank, behind the striker or deeper in midfield. Vidal, too, offers a degree of versatility, able to play at right-back and also as a winger.

They can cover some of the positions Barcelona have been lacking in, with injuries to Dani Alves, Douglas and Rafinha causing problems.

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However, the same Spanish newspaper suggests that Luis Enrique wants to sign further reinforcements, beyond these two new stars.

They also say that 90 per cent of fans who voted in their poll think the squad needs more men, while just 10 per cent would be happy to keep it as it is.

Among the names suggested for the squad, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez has been touted as a possible option for the Catalans.

He has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season in the Premier League, notching four goals in the first five games to put his team an unlikely second in the table.

Many have been surprised by the progress of a player who only shone in fits and starts last season, with his superb dribbling and direct attacking able to destabilise defences.

TalkSPORT (h/t ESPN) linked Mahrez with a move to the Camp Nou.

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The Algeria international, who joined Leicester for £350,000 from Le Havre AC in 2014, has been in stunning form so far this season, scoring four goals in four appearances and catapulting his team into third on the Premier League table.

Barcelona's transfer ban will end come January and many expect a flurry of activity in the window from the Spanish giants. If Mahrez can keep his stellar form going, don't be surprised if Luis Enrique puts in a call to King Power Stadium.

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His agent recently claimed to ESPN that Mahrez isn't thinking about a move to Barcelona (h/t the Express).

He said: "Riyad is very happy at Leicester and he just signed a new contract at the club last month. Riyad is not thinking about the rumours and is focused on his season with Leicester and wants to continue his fine form."

And while Mahrez would be a useful player for Barcelona right now, that's because any reinforcement of a certain quality would be.

From a long-term point of view, he wouldn't be that useful.

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Firstly, there is Munir El Haddadi, whose progress to more first-team action would be blocked by another young wide man joining the club.

Secondly, Arda Turan will be the first-choice replacement for either of the wide forwards in the team from January.

Then, there's the chance that Mahrez is just enjoying a rich period of form; we will have to see him play like this for months on end before knowing for sure.

Barcelona would be better off looking for a midfielder, as Vidal can also play on the wing.

J.M. Lopez/Associated Press

That's where they are really missing weight, with Sergi Roberto now likely to have to move from right-back to his usual central midfield position, given Rafinha's injury.

Furthermore, if they did want another wide player, Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia would be the better bet.

He's experienced in La Liga and would be available for a much better price than Mahrez, because his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Mahrez is a player who could turn out to be good, but he would not be a sensible signing for Barcelona.