Pep Guardiola has suggested that Manchester City could make another signing this summer following the impending departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid while confirming that Ederson will stay with the club this season.
City have made one permanent transfer so far this summer, with Brazilian winger Savinho joining from sister club Troyes, but with Alvarez set to move to Atletico for €92million Guardiola has suggested that another new face could be added in the final weeks of the window.
Ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield with Manchester United, Guardiola spoke at length about the state of his squad for the new season, expressing his “huge relief” that Ederson will stay, despite his intention to move to Saudi Arabia.
He also hinted that City will continue to be active in the market, although not necessarily to replace Alvarez in attacking areas.
“With the squad I am very pleased with the quality they have as human beings and the quality they have as players,” he said. “Maybe in other years I said, ‘No chance’ (of new signings), but maybe this season it is going to happen until the end of the market. I don’t know yet, we have to talk and see what happens.”
When discussing how City could cover for influential midfielder Rodri, Guardiola revealed that a transfer could be possible in that department.
“We have (Mateo) Kovacic, we have Rico (Lewis), Nico O’Reilly,” he said of their existing options. “John (Stones) and Manu (Akanji) can adapt in that position alongside another player as well, so we have alternatives, and we will see the market.
“If I have some concerns I speak with Txiki, but it is the club who will decide.”
Asked specifically if City could sign a holding midfielder, Guardiola confirmed it is at least an option they are considering, along with other versatile players in different roles.
“Yeah, maybe,” he said. “Yeah. Yeah, yeah. (Somebody who) can play as a forward, can play as a forward and an attacking midfielder, or a winger that can play forward, or a holding midfielder who can play central defender or central defender who can play in the position of Rodri. We will see.
“We would not having won trophies with important players like Erling Haaland and Rodri, having spent a lot of money on alternatives for them to play two games out of 10 – it’s not sustainable. We have to find the balance; if we need someone, we have to buy for the right price.”
(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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