Pep Guardiola gives update on Sergio Gomez transfer and his place in the Man City squad

Pep Guardiola has all but confirmed Sergio Gomez will join Manchester City and revealed he will remain at the club this season.

It was widely reported earlier this week that the youngster was on the verge of signing from Belgian side Anderletch, but it was suggested he could be sent out on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.

City are short of full-back options and began the season with just two senior options in Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, with youth-team defender Josh Wilson-Esbrand seen as another player who could deputise in that role.

But Gomez’s arrival will add a fourth full-back to Guardiola’s ranks ahead of what will be a physically demanding season for his squad.

Asked about the Spaniard, Guardiola said: “The club is always working in many possibilities and positions. This one target is a young player. In the [Under-19] World Cup, years ago, Phil Foden was the best player and he [Gomez] was the second-best player.

“He played in Spain Under-21s and he was a young talent for the academy of Barcelona. He went to Dortmund and didn’t have much minutes and in the last years played under the good hands of Vincent Kompany and Anderlecht, and he played really well. We targeted him and we could bring him here.”

Asked about what role Gomez will play in the squad this season, Guardiola said: “For now, he is going to stay with us and he will be with the squad along with Joao, Josh and him, [they will compete] for left-back.”

The City boss also revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that Kalvin Phillips and Cole Palmer could miss out on this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth due to respective injuries.

"Kalvin has some niggles. Cole Palmer has a knock in his feet and is a doubt,” said Guardiola.