Manchester City have been busy in the transfer market this winter but Pep Guardiola admitted he had no chance of securing a deal for his former ally Sergio Busquets amid Rodri’s injury
Pep Guardiola failed to get a transfer bid off the ground to bring Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets to Manchester City.
The Catalan coach hoped to secure a short-term deal for the Inter Miami midfielder amid Rodri’s injury absence, but the veteran star could not be persuaded to leave Miami’s sunshine to help is old coach. Busquets is represented by Guardiola’s brother Pere, who is also the City boss’ agent, but a brief stint in Manchester would not have the allure to reunite the duo.
Guardiola gave Busquets his La Liga debut in 2008 having nurtured his talents in Barca’s B team. While the 36-year-old has linked up with former team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba in the MLS, working under his former coach never seemed on the cards.
Manchester City’s head coach was asked whether there was any chance that his old midfield anchor could provide some relief amid Rodri’s continued absence following injury against Arsenal. Guardiola said: “No – because he is so happy in Miami. The weather there is so delightful!
“I spoke to Sergio, not for that issue, but many many times, quite often. We have the same agent, so I’ve been in touch for many years.”
City have struggled in the centre of the field since Rodri ws ruled out in September. A central midfielder has been on the agenda during the transfer window as the Premier League champions made a flurry of signings.
One target emerged as Nico Gonzalez, who City have attempted to sign before. They have been told by Porto that they will be required to trigger the £50.15million release clause in Gonzalez’s contract to land the Spaniard because Barcelona are due a 40 percent cut of the fee.
Alternatives do not come cheaply either. The club have also been quoted £50m by Atalanta for Brazilian midfielderr Ederson, while Juventus have offered a loan-to-buy deal for ex-Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz.
Guardiola said: “There are players that can do it – but clubs don’t sell or they are so expensive.
“So we cannot do it but of course we thought about that because Kova and Gundo are helping us, but they are not proper, proper holding midfielders. We know that, so they are making an incredible effort and we are grateful for that.
“Many times over a tough period I know perfectly the players who stepped up to try and solve our problems we have with commitment and effort. That is why I am so grateful to a few of them.”
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