Pep Guardiola has provided crucial updates on Manchester City’s transfer activities this summer, shedding light on the futures of Joao Cancelo and Kalvin Phillips.
Joao Cancelo, who left Manchester City under strained circumstances in January 2023, could make an unexpected return to the squad if no suitable offers come in for him during this transfer window. Cancelo, frustrated by being replaced by Rico Lewis, spent the last 18 months on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. However, neither club has made a permanent move for the full-back, with Barcelona reportedly interested but facing financial constraints.
Guardiola acknowledged that Cancelo could find his way back into the City lineup, saying, “He’s training with us. We will see—maybe he stays, maybe he goes on loan. I don’t know yet.” He added that Cancelo has shown a positive attitude in training and remains passionate about playing football. “In training, we greet and talk. What happens next depends on his agents and the club. If he stays, we will treat him like any other player, with respect, and try to harness his immense qualities. I’ve never doubted his abilities, not for a second. But I really can’t predict what will happen.”
In addition, Guardiola confirmed that Kalvin Phillips is set to join Ipswich Town on loan. Despite the hefty £42 million price tag when he was signed, Phillips has struggled for game time over the past two years. Guardiola explained that this loan move is essential for Phillips to regain his form, but he insisted that it doesn’t spell the end of the midfielder’s career at City.
“He needs minutes to recover his rhythm, to play consistently,” Guardiola said. “He hasn’t had the playing time he deserves, but that’s just the reality of the situation.”
With the injury to Oscar Bobb and the departure of Julian Alvarez, Guardiola did not rule out the possibility of making new signings before the transfer window closes. “Maybe, but maybe not. We will see. I am very pleased with the squad I have,” he remarked. “I know there’s a feeling that we need to sign, but we’ll see what happens in the market. We might continue with the current squad, or perhaps we’ll bring in new players. I can’t say for sure.”
