Pep Guardiola gives Manchester City transfer verdict and reveals possible plans for Julian Alvarez replacement

Pep Guardiola has revealed he does not expect Manchester City to conclude any business in the final hours of the summer transfer market, but hinted the club could make additions in January.

The Blues have had a quiet window, with Ilkay Gundogan and Savinho the only major arrivals, while just Julian Alvarez and Sergio Gomez departed from the squad that ended last season. Joao Cancelo has also left on a permanent basis to Al-Hilal, while Kalvin Phillips will spend the campaign on loan at Ipswich Town.

But that could be the height of things for City this summer, according to Guardiola, who addressed the media on Friday ahead of the Premier League trip to West Ham United this weekend.

Asked if he is expecting a quiet end to the window, the City boss responded with a one-word reply: “Yes.”

Guardiola had revealed earlier this window that he would consider signing a back-up for Erling Haaland following Julian Alvarez’s exit, but said both he and director of football Txiki Begiristain didn’t identify a standout target. Instead, the club will wait and reassess their options during the mid-season window.

“I am happy with the squad. We didn’t expect Julian was leaving - well, I don’t know. He had conversations a long time ago with other clubs, his agent, so could happen. But in the end you think he is going to stay and it didn’t happen. After we saw what we have. Of course, if we have many injuries it could be a problem. 

“Maybe it’s a mistake, I don’t know, but I don’t like to work with not a long squad. I don’t like to leave players with a long time not playing. When we have long squad and no injuries, it’s months without playing and I don’t like it.

“Always I feel when everyone is involved with the chance to play, the performance of the team is better. That’s why I prefer. I know the group, I know how serious and professional they are.

“When you are not sure it is better to wait. In winter we have another chance. If I am not convinced and Txiki is not convinced it is better to not take that step.”