Redaction Simon Brett with David Tully
Published on 2024-08-08 07:00:01
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has advised the club to hold off on bidding for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, as he wants to give more opportunities to young players in his squad like Savinho and Oscar Bobb. This decision leaves the way clear for other Premier League teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle to pursue Eze, who has a £60m plus release clause in his contract. Eze had an impressive season with Palace, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists in 31 matches last season while also being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship.
City is reportedly looking at alternatives to Eze, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo being considered as potential replacements for Julian Alvarez, who is set to complete his move to Atletico Madrid. Neto, who has a similar price tag to Eze, has concerns about his fitness record, while Rodrygo has been offered to City but they are currently not interested. Guardiola is keeping his options open and will only sanction a move for a new signing if he believes it will strengthen the squad.
The 24-year-old Joao Felix has also been mentioned as a possible option for City to replace Alvarez, but they are not currently pursuing him. Felix struggled during a loan spell at Chelsea and did not have an impressive year with Barcelona. Guardiola is focused on developing younger talents in his squad and will only make a move for a new signing if he believes it will benefit the team.
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