Pep Guardiola affirmed that Man City cannot spend nearly 1.3 billion USD to recruit players in one year like Chelsea.
"With Chelsea, things are easier than for us," Guardiola said at a press conference ahead of the second round of the Premier League against Newcastle. "I wouldn't be sitting here if Man City spent as much money as Chelsea did in the last two transfer windows. You would kill me. You can't imagine the scrutiny we have to endure."
Guardiola in a pre-season friendly when Man City met Bayern. Photo: Reuters
Since acquiring Chelsea in the summer of 2022, Todd Boehly has spent nearly $1.3 billion on players. The American billionaire has used many ways to circumvent UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. One of the main reasons Chelsea has not been "whistled" is that they have sold players for equivalent values to renew their budget and wage bill.
Guardiola insists he has no intention of criticising his rivals' transfer policy. The Man City manager has respect for Boehly and has met the businessman in person, but also believes Man City have their own transfer policy.
"We have to watch what happens in the transfer market and spend money in a way that we believe is fair. We wanted Harry Maguire in 2019 but didn't buy him because we refused to spend such a large amount of money. Man City also missed out on Marc Cucurella (last summer) and Alexis Sanchez (in 2018). We just spend money in a reasonable way. Otherwise, I'm ready to use players from the academy," Guardiola said.
There are rumours that Man City are looking to sign a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, after the Belgian midfielder was injured and is expected to be out until February 2024. But Guardiola believes this will not be easy.
He also believes that the summer transfer window should be shorter and end before the start of the season. Currently, the deadline for European clubs to buy and sell players is August 31, but many national championships started last week.
According to Guardiola, the arrival of Saudi Arabian clubs will change the transfer market. Man City sold one of its pillars, Riyad Mahrez, to Al-Ahli for $38 million this summer. "Everyone complains about Saudi Arabia. But when they come, roll out the red carpet and offer a lot of money, everyone becomes open. This league and other leagues complained about Saudi Arabia until they started working with them. Clubs do business regardless. That's the reality. Everyone wants the best for themselves," said Guardiola.
Vinh San (according to Guardian )
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