Pep Guardiola has cautioned that Manchester City’s performance this season may significantly influence their chances of landing top transfer targets in the upcoming window.
The Premier League holders are planning major reinforcements this summer after falling short in both the domestic title race and the Champions League this campaign.
Currently sitting fifth, City face a crucial run-in, starting with Saturday’s trip to Everton, as they fight to secure a Champions League spot for next season. With just six games left, the 2023 treble winners have little room for error.
Kevin De Bruyne’s impending departure after a stellar decade at the Etihad has led the club to target Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as their ideal successor.
However, securing a player of Wirtz’s caliber—also pursued by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid—could prove difficult if City miss out on Champions League qualification.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday ahead of City’s trip to Merseyside, Guardiola said: “It depends on the players we want and whether they just have one option. If they have many (offers from other clubs), I’m pretty sure the players take a look at the ones in the Champions League, of course.”
When questioned if Manchester City had prepared different transfer targets based on whether they secure Champions League qualification, Guardiola dismissed the idea, stating no such separate shortlists exist.
“In the conversations with the club, the club don’t have one list for the Champions League and one list for a relegation battle,” the 54-year-old added as he looks to lead his side over the line and end what has been an underwhelming season for Manchester City on a high.
“Maybe players come anyway and there are other ones who say they don’t want to go because of no Champions League. I don’t know. I didn’t speak with one player potentially for the next season, so I don’t know.”
Manchester City are also likely to see several first-team players leave after struggling with form and fitness this season.
The changes come as Hugo Viana prepares to replace Txiki Begiristain as the club’s director of football in the near future.
“They have contracts. Except Kevin (De Bruyne), all the other have contracts. The club and organisation decide what is the best. The club is working of course behind the scenes what they have to do,” Guardiola said.
“But I’m concerned about these six games and FA Cup. After that one week, 10 days off, fifth of June start again with seven days before flying to the United States and preparing for the (FIFA Club) World Cup.”
