“The president told me, and I don’t say it with irony” - Guardiola responds after being asked which Barcelona players he would like to sign
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was recently asked which Barcelona players he would like to have at the Etihad Stadium. While the Spanish tactician failed to name any, he claimed that the players of the club are not for sale.
This would seem surprising after reports have linked several Blaugrana stars with moves away from Camp Nou this summer. A recent report from The Athletic claimed that as many as eight players could be sold in order to fund signings this summer (via Football Espana).
The report named the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, among other important players. The Catalan outfit have been heavily linked with moves for highly-rated players Nico Williams and Dani Olmo this summer.
However, Guardiola seems to have a contrasting view on the matter and said (via @BarcaUniversal):
"Which players would I like to have from Barcelona? They are too good. They are not for sale. The president told me. And I don't say it with irony."
Either way, many would agree that Manchester City don't need to make drastic changes in the transfer window. Last year, they managed to win their fourth consecutive Premier League title but missed out on the UEFA Champions League trophy, losing to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Barcelona will need to keep hold of their important players and build. They finished second in La Liga, 10 points behind arch-rivals and champions Real Madrid.
With Xavi leaving the club, new coach Hansi Flick has taken over managerial responsibilities ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Barcelona target Nico Williams unsure of moving to Camp Nou - Reports
Barcelona have been linked throughout the summer transfer window with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. However, according to La Vanguardia, the Spain international is unsure about moving to Camp Nou, and wishes to postpone his deal by 12 months (via Barca Blaugranes).
This would be a huge blow to the Blaugrana, given they don't have a sure-shot starter down the left flank. While Lamine Yamal has tied down the position on the right wing, the likes of Ferran Torres and Raphinha, among others, will be fighting for minutes on the opposite side.
Williams would be an ideal option after his impressive performances of late. He scored two goals and bagged an assist for La Roja at Euro 2024, helping them clinch the trophy in Germany. The 22-year-old was also impressive last season, bagging eight goals and 19 assists in 37 matches across competitions.