Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has outlined the club’s transfer strategy as the window nears its end. City is prepared to bide their time to secure the best deals, refusing to be pressured into overpaying for signings.
With Julian Alvarez on the brink of a move to Atletico for an initial £64 million, and the need for additional cover for Rodri following Kalvin Phillips’ underperformance, Guardiola has confirmed the club’s intent to explore the market for replacements. However, he emphasized that City’s financial resources—boosted by Alvarez’s departure and the £150 million they’ve already accrued this summer—will not lead them to overspend.
“We’ll assess our options towards the end of the market,” Guardiola said. “If a club needs to sell more urgently later on, we’ll see what opportunities arise. Right now, there’s a lot of anticipation, but we’re cautious. We have a history of not paying inflated prices, and that approach will continue.”
Guardiola also noted the challenge of signing players who could compete with established stars like Erling Haaland and Rodri. He suggested that City might look for versatile players who can fill multiple roles, rather than focusing solely on traditional positions.
“[We’re looking for players] who can play as attacking midfielders, wingers, or even in defensive roles,” he explained. “We wouldn’t invest heavily in someone who only plays a fraction of the games. Balance is crucial. We need to ensure that any signing is justifiable in terms of cost and utility.”
With players like Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, and Manu Akanji already providing depth, City is in no rush. Guardiola is in regular contact with sporting director Txiki Begiristain to make informed decisions as they continue to monitor the market.
