April 21, 2025
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Man City refused to sell homegrown talent Nico O’Reilly to Chelsea

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Pep Guardiola hailed Chelsea after dramatic draw
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It’s possible that Manchester City’s refusal to allow Chelsea to sign Nico O’Reilly during the winter transfer window was their most important choice.

In January, the club in west London expressed interest in O’Reilly, who was 20 years old. The Manchester Evening News at the time stated that City did not want to make the same error that had occurred when Cole Palmer had relocated to the capital eighteen months prior.

In addition to not considering the possibility of a recurrence of the same situation with O’Reilly, they are unable to buy back their academy graduate. Therefore, even though Chelsea has admiration for the native of North Manchester, he has eventually remained at City.

It’s possible that they wouldn’t be in the FA Cup without O’Reilly, so Pep Guardiola will be grateful that the player is still available. In the third-round match against Salford City, he started and scored his first goal for City in the 8-0 victory.

Nico O’Reilly failed Chelsea’s January transfer

The “Palmer lesson” has been learned by Man City, as seen by their faith in their own O’Reilly. Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea has represented City’s difficulties this season, but the team learned from their mistakes and is now grateful to Nico O’Reilly for getting to the FA Cup semifinals.

Manchester City was the busiest club in Europe during the January transfer window, but even though they spent over £180 million, the deal that they did not make on Sunday might have been the most significant.

At the end of the January transfer window, Chelsea, who are known for chasing quality, showed a great deal of interest in 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly, but City declined to sell. From a distance, it appears to be a calculated move to prevent another Cole Palmer situation, a move that has represented City’s difficulties this season: selling talented depth that could have rejuvenated a struggling team.

O’Reilly gave City a much-needed breath of new air, which was something it had been lacking. Although O’Reilly provided it in abundance, Guardiola later reflected more broadly, saying, “What we missed this season was heart, soul, and desire.”

Pep Guardiola criticizes his own performance after Man City’s disappointing season

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Pep Guardiola believes Man City will bounce back after Arsenal defeat
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has candidly acknowledged his subpar performance this season, labeling it as “really poor” amid the club’s struggles to maintain their Premier League dominance.

Man City Boss Guardiola Frustrated with Season: “It’s Been Poor”

Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has led the team to six Premier League titles. However, this season, they find themselves fifth in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 22 points.

Reflecting on the challenges faced, Guardiola admitted, “​There are many, many things [involved in being a manager] and I missed something—something I am not doing well.

He added, “​In the end, when you lose a lot of games, it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take.” ​

Despite their domestic struggles, City have an opportunity to secure silverware in the FA Cup. They are set to face Bournemouth in the quarter-finals, a team that previously ended City’s unbeaten streak.

Guardiola hopes for success but acknowledges that even winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League will not compensate for what he regards as a disappointing domestic campaign.

Injuries have further compounded City’s challenges. Key players such as Ederson, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne have faced fitness issues, raising concerns about the team’s ability to compete across multiple competitions.

Guardiola has emphasized the need for more robust players next season, potentially signaling changes in the squad.

Looking ahead, City are set to participate in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, with potential prize money of around £100 million.

However, Guardiola has expressed that neither he nor his players deserve bonuses this season, even if they win the tournament, due to their lackluster domestic performance.

He remarked that the team’s efforts this season don’t merit additional rewards, not even souvenir watches.

Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains committed to turning the tide. He stated, “I will try, I will keep going. I will not give up. I want to be here.

I want to do it and, with the situation that we have, we have to do it.”

As the season progresses, Guardiola’s acknowledgment of his own shortcomings and his determination to rectify them will be crucial in guiding Manchester City back to their accustomed heights.

Man City winger Claudio Echeverri could potentially join Lazio on loan for next season

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Man City close to signing teenage midfielder Claudio Echeverri
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A number of Man City players might depart the Etihad during the summer transfer window after a rush of new players arrived in January. A rumor from Corriere della Sera earlier this week claimed that Claudio Echeverri would sign a loan deal with Lazio for the upcoming campaign. Echeverri playing in Serie A the next season may make sense.

Particularly if he wasn’t going to play a significant role in the Manchester City first team’s lineup the following season. According to a recent source, however, Echeverri will play in Manchester City’s preseason before the 25–26 campaign begins. Echeverri will have a chance to make an impression on Pep Guardiola before the upcoming season thanks to that.

According to Rob Dawson’s story for ESPN, Manchester City will not decide on Claudio Echeverri’s future until the summer. Dawson also notes that Manchester City has been contacted multiple times regarding Echeverri’s availability for a loan transfer for the upcoming campaign. It is currently unknown if Echeverri will be sent out on loan for the upcoming campaign.

Man City in talks over exit for £780k-a-year gem

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Biancocelesti themselves have denied Lazio’s approach for Echeverri. However, the agreement is on the verge of happening and is directly related to Manchester City’s interest in defender Mario Gila.

Since moving from Real Madrid to Lazio in the summer of 2022, the center-back has made an impression. According to Italy’s pink journal, the citizens are open to signing the Spaniard and are not deterred by his €50 million asking price. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are also interested.

Manchester City’s surveys for the 24-year-old are actually getting more demanding, and the report is reasonably certain that Echeverri can be included in this significant transaction. There is something going on behind the scenes, as all of this suggests. It says volumes about this likelihood that Echeverri’s travel to the Italian capital is still a mystery.

Manchester City eye £40m deal to bring back Jeremie Frimpong

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Jeremie Frimpong is one of the top full-back targets for Manchester City this transfer
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Manchester City are intensifying their efforts to re-sign Bayer Leverkusen’s standout right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, aiming to bolster their defense ahead of the upcoming season.

Man City Push Hard to Re-Sign Jeremie Frimpong Amid Liverpool Interest

Frimpong, a product of City’s own academy, departed the club in 2019 for Celtic before making a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen.

His exceptional performances have not only caught the attention of his former club but also sparked interest from Premier League rivals, notably Liverpool.

During his tenure at Leverkusen, Frimpong has evolved into one of Europe’s premier wing-backs. His impressive tally of 14 goals and 12 assists last season was instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title run.

Such attacking prowess from a defensive position is a rarity and underscores his unique value on the field.

City’s current right-back situation sees Kyle Walker approaching the twilight of his career at 34.

This has prompted manager Pep Guardiola to seek a dynamic, long-term successor capable of adapting to the team’s evolving tactical demands.

Frimpong’s familiarity with City’s playing philosophy, coupled with his proven track record in top-flight football, positions him as an ideal candidate for this role.

However, the pursuit of Frimpong is not without competition. Liverpool have also expressed keen interest, viewing him as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is rumored to be considering a move to Real Madrid.

The Reds’ admiration for Frimpong adds a layer of complexity to City’s ambitions, potentially igniting a transfer tussle between the two English giants.

Financially, securing Frimpong’s services will require a substantial investment. Reports indicate that a bid in the region of £40 million may be sufficient to persuade Leverkusen to part ways with their star defender.

This valuation reflects Frimpong’s significant contributions on the pitch and his potential to further develop within the Premier League.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City appear poised to make a decisive move to bring Jeremie Frimpong back to the Etihad Stadium.

His blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair could provide the team with a vital edge in their quest for domestic and European glory.

The coming weeks will be pivotal as City navigate the challenges of securing their former prodigy amidst stiff competition.

Former Man City player Danilo says Guardiola changed his game

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Top 10 most valuable Manchester City players
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Former Manchester City defender Danilo has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola, admitting that the legendary manager completely changed his perspective on football.

Former City Star Danilo Admits He Played Football the Wrong Way

The Brazilian, who played under Guardiola for two seasons, revealed that he only truly started playing the game ‘the right way’ after working with the Spaniard at the Etihad.

Danilo, now at Juventus, described his time under Guardiola as an educational experience, saying it felt like he was attending a footballing university.

In an interview with The Guardian, he explained how the City boss reshaped his entire understanding of the sport.

“Pep Guardiola educates his players. That’s the most important thing about his work. He makes all players think about football in the same way,” Danilo said.

“Time, space, movement, possession, taking care of the ball—he makes you understand the spaces on the pitch like no other coach.”

Reflecting on his career before joining City, Danilo confessed that his approach to the game was completely different before working with Guardiola.

“It’s not that I was an idiot before I arrived at Manchester City, but I realised I played football in completely the wrong way,” he admitted.

“If I had met him earlier, he would have made my life a lot easier. I’m so glad I was able to play under him and learn from him.”

Danilo made 60 appearances for City after signing from Real Madrid in 2017, winning back-to-back Premier League titles before moving to Juventus in 2019.

His admiration for Guardiola remains strong, but not everyone shares his enthusiasm.

Ex-England manager Fabio Capello recently criticised Guardiola, accusing him of damaging football. The Italian claimed that Guardiola’s tactical experiments in big matches have cost him multiple Champions League titles.

“Do you know what I don’t like about Guardiola? His arrogance,” Capello said.

“He always wanted to be the protagonist, changing things unnecessarily. That arrogance has cost him several Champions Leagues.”

Despite differing opinions, Guardiola’s influence on football is undeniable. For Danilo, playing under the City boss was a game-changing experience—one that transformed his entire outlook on the sport.

Phil Foden’s struggles raise concerns at Manchester City and England camp

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Phil Foden confident Bellingham will become 'best in the world'
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Manchester City’s Phil Foden, once celebrated as the PFA Player of the Year for his instrumental role in securing the Premier League title with 19 goals and eight assists, is currently facing a challenging period marked by a significant dip in form.

From PFA Winner to Benched: What’s Happening with Phil Foden?

This downturn has not gone unnoticed, with both club and national team circles expressing concern over the 24-year-old’s recent performances.

During Euro 2024, Foden struggled to make a substantial impact for England, a trend that has unfortunately persisted into the current season.

Since Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea in January, Foden has neither scored nor provided an assist in the Premier League.

This decline has led to reduced playing time under Pep Guardiola, who benched him for two of City’s last three league matches and substituted him after 69 minutes in the game he did start against Nottingham Forest.

The concerns extend to the national team, where England manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged Foden’s recent struggles.

After an underwhelming display on the wing against Albania, Tuchel opted to start Jarrod Bowen over Foden for the subsequent match against Latvia.

Tuchel emphasized the need for more aggressive and direct play from his wingers, noting, “We hope for more impact in these positions. More dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box.” 

Teammates and staff have observed that Foden appears to have lost weight amid a personally challenging season. This physical change, coupled with his on-field struggles, has sparked discussions about his well-being and the underlying causes of his dip in form.

Some speculate that his frustration stems from his role during the Euros, where he was shifted to the left wing to accommodate Jude Bellingham centrally.

Foden himself has admitted that his “low mental state” during this period adversely affected his performances for Manchester City.

Despite these challenges, there remains a collective belief in Foden’s innate talent and potential for resurgence.

Tuchel has expressed support, stating, “Phil is just maybe not finding the momentum at the moment that he can have…

He comes from several weeks where he does not find the rhythm that he found last season.”

As Manchester City and England navigate their respective campaigns, all eyes will be on Foden to see if he can overcome this slump and rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting talents in football.

Man City have submitted massive €110m for RB Leipzig’s midfielder Xavi Simons

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230314 Fotboll, Champions League Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Manchester City v RB Leipzig - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 14, 2023 RB Leipzig players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington © Bildbyrån - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY © Bildbyrån - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY

RB Leipzig player Xavi Simons is reportedly the target of a huge €110 million offer from Manchester City this summer. Following a dismal 2024–25 season, Manchester City will try to bolster their roster in preparation for the upcoming campaign. It appears that Pep Guardiola has found the perfect long-term alternative for Kevin De Bruyne in his quest to improve the caliber of his midfield.

Fichajes reports that City is interested in signing Xavi Simons, who has been excelling in the Bundesliga. To get the Dutch international, the Premier League’s biggest clubs are willing to shell out €110 million.

Simons has only gotten better since he joined Leipzig in the summer of 2023. The German team made the move permanent during the most recent winter transfer window, even though it was initially a loan agreement.

Despite struggling with an ankle injury during the current season, the 21-year-old has contributed 13 goals in his 25 appearances. Several of the biggest teams are interested in luring him away from Leipzig because of his steady performances and enormous potential.

Man City reportedly make £90m+ bid for Simons

Although De Bruyne’s future is still up in the air, it seems like City is already getting ready for the season without their lucky midfield player.

As per a recent Spanish rumor, Manchester City has already paid RB Leipzig an enormous €110 million (£92.5 million) to acquire midfielder Xavi Simons, whom they believe may be De Bruyne’s replacement.

According to the Spanish tabloid, City manager Pep Guardiola is desperately trying to sign Simons and expects the young Dutchman will play a significant role in his future plans. In response to the offer, Leipzig has not yet replied.

According to Christoph Freund, the sporting director of Bayern Munich, who praised the 21-year-old last year, the team is also reportedly interested in Simons.

“I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything—mentality and character—and he’s just an exceptional player,” Freund remarked, describing his good development.

 

Pep Guardiola names the smartest player he has ever coached

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Pep Guardiola confirms double injury after Young Boys win
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Renowned for his tactical acumen and leadership, Pep Guardiola has managed some of the world’s most exceptional football talents throughout his illustrious career.

Pep Guardiola Hails Philipp Lahm as His Most Intelligent Player

Among these, Philipp Lahm, the former Bayern Munich captain, stands out as the most intelligent player Guardiola has ever coached.

During his tenure at Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016, Guardiola had the privilege of working closely with Lahm.

Despite having coached footballing geniuses like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta at Barcelona, Guardiola singled out Lahm for his unparalleled football intelligence.

He remarked, “Philipp Lahm is perhaps the most intelligent player I have ever trained in my career. He is at another level.”

Lahm’s versatility on the field was a testament to his deep understanding of the game. Primarily a right-back, he seamlessly adapted to various positions, including left-back and defensive midfield, showcasing his tactical flexibility and awareness.

Guardiola praised this adaptability, stating, “He can play in 10 positions, no problems because he understands the game perfectly.”

Beyond his on-field prowess, Lahm’s leadership and professionalism left a lasting impression on Guardiola.

Reflecting on their time together, Guardiola expressed, “Philipp was and is a special person in my life. He helped me on and off the pitch.”

Lahm’s contributions under Guardiola’s guidance were instrumental in Bayern Munich’s success during that period.

The team secured multiple titles, including Bundesliga championships and domestic cups, further cementing Lahm’s legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.​

Guardiola’s admiration for Lahm underscores the importance he places on football intelligence and versatility. It also highlights how a player’s mental acuity can significantly influence a team’s dynamics and success.​

In an era filled with remarkable talents, Philipp Lahm’s exceptional understanding of the game set him apart, earning him the highest praise from one of football’s most esteemed managers.​

Manchester City readying efforts to sign Swedish star Roony Bardghji

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Manchester City considering a summer move for Xavi Simons
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According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Man City plans to attempt to capture Rooney Bardghji from FC Copenhagen on a free transfer during the summer transfer window. Senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke stated on the most recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that City has had a long-standing interest in the man known as “the Swedish Messi.”

When he was just 17, the 19-year-old made history a few seasons ago by becoming the youngest player to ever score against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The Sweden Under-21 player has been improving ever since, but after missing the entire season because of a cruciate knee ligament injury, he has had a difficult season.

In 2025, the right winger’s contract with FC Copenhagen expires, although because of the way their season goes, contracts in Denmark last until December. His services might be acquired by City on a free transfer, which is said to be a “no-brainer” for the team.

Man City eye free agent signing of talented teenage winger

Plans are underway to bring the Swedish wonderkid to the Etihad Stadium, and Ronny Bardghji is one player Manchester City hopes to use to help them reduce the average age of Pep Guardiola’s team.

According to numerous reports in recent months, Manchester City is prepared to let go of Jack Grealish, who has entirely lost favor under Guardiola. Even if Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Oscar Bobb are already on the books, a replacement is probably going to be sought if the 29-year-old decides to leave the Premier League, where he has been connected to multiple teams.

However, Manchester City is unlikely to overlook growing market potential, and Bardghji is just that. With numerous clubs vying for the 19-year-old’s services, the current Premier League champions are the most recent to enter the fray. His contract with FC Copenhagen expires in 2025.

Manchester City make first move for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

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Could Pep nab Juventus star Paulo Dybala on a free transfer ?
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Manchester City have initiated contact with Juventus regarding the potential transfer of 19-year-old winger Kenan Yildiz, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Man City Open Talks for Kenan Yildiz – Juventus Ready to Sell for £75m

Juventus, facing financial challenges and the possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification, are reportedly open to selling Yildiz, with an estimated valuation between €80 million and €90 million (£67 million to £75 million).

Yildiz, who joined Juventus in 2022, has emerged as a promising talent in Serie A. This season, he has made 28 league appearances, starting 22 matches, and has contributed four goals and two assists.

His versatility and technical prowess have caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Manchester City are not alone in their pursuit of Yildiz. Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have also expressed interest in the Turkish international.

Chelsea had a €60 million bid rejected last summer, highlighting Juventus’s high valuation of the player.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing an €80 million offer, viewing Yildiz as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian forward depart.

For Manchester City, securing Yildiz would align with their strategy of investing in young, versatile talents capable of contributing across multiple attacking roles.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the competition for Yildiz’s signature is expected to intensify, with Juventus poised to evaluate offers that meet their financial expectations