Brendan Rodgers and Pep Guardiola stand on the touchline during the English FA Community Shield football match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium in north London on August 7, 2021. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“Right now I don’t think so,” Pep Guardiola’s response to new signings question

By Editor - 23rd Aug 2024, 12:34pm

Pep Guardiola spoke to the media today ahead of the game against Ipswich Town tomorrow and among the questions put to the Manchester City manager was as you would expect about whether he is planning on making any more signings in the summer transfer window.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic FC reacts after scoring a goal during the FC Series against the Manchester City FC at Kenan Memorial Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Chapel Hill, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire)

Kyogo wasn’t mentioned by name, nor was any alternative ‘back-up’ striker, but this is the short response that Guardiola gave, quote from Man City outlet, Cityxtra.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I don’t know what’s going to happen, maybe something happens in terms of injuries – hopefully not – or the market provides something unexpected that financially suits, or tactically. Right now I don’t think so.”

No direct indication that Kyogo is set to leave Celtic

So there’s no direct indication that Kyogo is set to leave Celtic for Manchester City, but the door isn’t entirely shut on this while this window is still open. It will be interesting to hear what Brendan Rodgers has to say about this transfer rumour, which clearly came from the City side of things, earlier this week. It also had heavyweights like Fabrizio Romano mentioning it, so there does seem to be some substance.

CHAPEL HILL, NC – JULY 23: Kyogo Furuhashi 8 of Celtic FC controls the ball during the FC Series against the Manchester City FC at Kenan Memorial Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Chapel Hill, NC. Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUL 23 Manchester City vs Celtic

Man City discouraged by Celtic’s asking price?

Maybe City have enquired and have been discouraged by Celtic’s asking price, believed to be between £20-22m, who knows?

Another indicator on this will be if Kyogo plays on Sunday at St Mirren. Remember although he was sidelined last weekend against Hibs at Celtic Park after his latest shoulder mishap, Brendan did say that he was actually fine to play last weekend but was given the time to rest up.

So he should be available for Sunday.

Matt O’Riley congratulates Kyogo Furuhashi after he scores his second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 04, 2024 i. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

We’ll also hopefully get an update on Brighton’s pursuit of Matt O’Riley which appears to have slowed somewhat. Earlier in the week the papers had him making his debut for the Seagulls against Manchester United this weekend. That’s clearly not happening but will the Denmark international midfielder play against St Mirren?

We’ll report on what Brendan has had to say shortly. His media conference usually starts just after 1.30pm.