Pep Guardiola Blocked Man City From Losing Star Player in Summer Window

Pep Guardiola told Manchester City not to negotiate with any clubs over one of his players this summer.

Man City were busy during the summer transfer window, recruiting players before and after the Club World Cup.

Prior to the competition in the United States, the Blues snapped up the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, while recently signing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The club also offloaded players, including Ederson and Jack Grealish, who joined Everton on a season-long loan.

Savinho seemed set to leave the Etihad, too, when Barcelona and Tottenham came calling.

But Man City fended off fierce competition to hold onto Savinho.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Guardiola essentially blocked Man City from selling the Brazilian winger, who signed for the club in the summer of 2024.

Per the report, Guardiola told sporting director Hugo Viana not to negotiate with Barca, who enquired about Savinho.

Pep Guardiola blocked Manchester City from selling Savinho. Image: Getty

Deco personally contacted Viana, prompting Guardiola to intervene.

He was convinced that Savinho could finally show his true potential in the Premier League this season.

Guardiola asked the club's higher-ups not to negotiate with Barca or Spurs, who had a £60 million bid rejected.

The 21-year-old, who cost £30.8 million, has yet to feature for Man City this season, having suffered an injury in pre-season.

But he could return to action when Man City resume their Premier League campaign after the international break.

Savinho in action for Manchester City at the Club World Cup. Image: Getty

Given the interest surrounding Savinho in the transfer market, Guardiola was questioned about his future.

"If they want to leave, they will come to me," he said in a press conference last month. "If they want to leave, they will knock on my door. Whether it's Tottenham in that case or any other club, a player should call the club.

"I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years, because of the potential he has at 21. He has to improve in final positions but he is an extraordinary player.

"At the end, as always, the desire of the players is above everything but then they have to find an agreement with the club. If they don't make an agreement, the player will be here because the club spends money on those players."