Manchester City defender close to Champions League move despite Pep Guardiola stance

Issa Kabore is close to completing a loan move to Benfica.

The Manchester City defender has previously enjoyed loan spells at four clubs, including a stint at Luton Town last season. Kabore played 26 times for the Hatters as they were relegated from the Premier League.

He returned to City this summer and despite not being named in the squad that flew to the USA for the summer pre-season tour, was selected as part of the matchday group for the Community Shield at the start of the month. Kabore was also named on the bench at the weekend as City beat Ipswich Town 4-1.

Asked after Saturday’s match if the right-back could have a role to play in the team this season, Guardiola replied: “Maybe. He trained really good and he helps with the positions that we need it. We have to decide - it is not already decided.”

But just four days later, a loan to Portuguese side Benfica is now on the cards, although a deal has not yet been finalised. Kabore, who has never played a competitive game for City, had previously been linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Everton this summer.

Assuming the move to Benfica goes through, the Burkina Faso international could even come up against City in the Champions League this season, as was the case for Joao Cancelo in the 2022/23 season when on loan at Bayern Munich. Benfica are one of 28 sides City could face in the new-look group stage, with the draw to be made tomorrow (Thursday).