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Pep Guardiola has hinted that Manchester City could sign another player this summer following the impending departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, while confirming that Ederson will stay at the club this season.
City have made one permanent signing so far this summer: Brazilian winger Savinho from sister club Troyes. However, with Alvarez set to join Atletico for €92m, Guardiola has hinted that another new face could arrive in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester United on Saturday, Guardiola spoke at length about the state of his squad for the new season, expressing his “huge relief” that Ederson will stay despite his intentions to move to Saudi Arabia.
He also hinted that City will continue to be active in the market, but not necessarily to replace Alvarez in attack.
“I’m very happy with the quality of the squad, both humanly and in terms of playing skills,” he said. “Maybe in other years I would have said ‘no chance’ (of new signings), but maybe it will happen this season by the end of the market. I don’t know yet, we have to talk and see what happens.”
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When discussing how City could replace influential midfielder Rodri, Guardiola revealed that a transfer in that department could be possible.
“We have (Mateo) Kovacic, we have Rico (Lewis), Nico O’Reilly,” he said of their existing options. “John (Stones) and Manu (Akanji) can also adapt in that position alongside another player, so we have alternatives and we will monitor the market.”
“If I have concerns, I speak to Txiki, but the decision lies with the club.”
When asked specifically whether City could sign a defensive midfielder, Guardiola confirmed that this was at least an option they were considering, along with other versatile players in different roles.
“Yes, maybe,” he said. “Yes. Yes, yes. (Someone who) can play as a striker, as a striker and attacking midfielder, or as a winger who can play striker, or as a defensive midfielder who can play centre-back, or as a centre-back who can play Rodri’s position. We’ll see.”
“We wouldn’t have won trophies with important players like Erling Haaland and Rodri and spent a lot of money on alternatives so that they play two out of ten games – that’s not sustainable. We have to find the balance; if we need someone, we have to buy them at the right price.”
(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
