Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not hold back when asked by Sky Sports for details around the club’s reported transfer business ahead of January.The City boss was speaking during media dut...
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not hold back when asked by Sky Sports for details around the club’s reported transfer business ahead of January.
The City boss was speaking during media duties ahead of his side’s New Year’s Day trip to face Sunderland, with speculation continuing to swirl around both potential incomings and outgoings at the Etihad Stadium.
As has been the case throughout the build-up to the winter window, Pep Guardiola was reluctant to engage with any of the narratives developing around his squad.
In recent weeks, City have found themselves at the centre of a transfer spotlight, largely driven by their pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, with reports suggesting positive talks, an active release clause, and Bournemouth bracing themselves for a possible exit.
Alongside that pursuit, attention has also turned to possible departures, with Oscar Bobb linked with a loan move away from Manchester City in search of regular minutes following a disrupted campaign.
However, Pep Guardiola appeared in no mood to expand on any of the speculation, instead choosing to shut down discussion entirely.
Speaking to reporters ahead of City’s clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Guardiola was asked on reports surrounding the club’s anticipated business both in the way of arrivals and departures.
However, opting not to shine any light on the details of activity, Guardiola responded, “I don’t know any news about anything right now.”
One name heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium is Norway international Oscar Bobb, who is being tied to loan interest from German side Borussia Dortmund. Again, Guardiola said on the subject, “You can ask Oscar Bobb, not me.”
And on Antoine Semenyo and links to the Bournemouth winger, Guardiola took a different approach, “You are from Sky [Sports], right? Yeah, OK… Good.
“I have to be careful what I say, because after that it’s completely the opposite what you write and what you put on the screens… The winter transfer window is completely closed right now. So, it’s Sunderland.”
Pep Guardiola’s remarks underline a familiar theme whenever Manchester City approach a transfer window, with the Catalan keen to keep internal matters private and the focus firmly on upcoming fixtures.
Despite the growing volume of reporting around Antoine Semenyo, City’s manager appears determined not to add fuel to the narrative.
Behind the scenes, City have been widely reported to be working on strengthening their wide options, with Semenyo identified as a winger capable of delivering goals from wide areas – something Guardiola is believed to value highly.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to prepare as though the player remains available, with Andoni Iraola recently suggesting Semenyo could still feature in their upcoming fixture against Arsenal at the weekend.
Category: General Sports
