Manchester City fans would be wise to take some transfer stories with a pinch of salt this summer.
This time of year is often a daily rumour mill mixed with truth and falsities, making it difficult for supporters to know what exactly is happening unless standout reporters such as David Ornstein get involved.
For example, there was recently a story involving Manchester City and Barcelona No.19 Lamine Yamal from Mundo Deportivo – one Pep Guardiola has now inadvertently shot down when speaking to another Spanish news outlet in SPORT.
Pep Guardiola makes telling comment about Lamine Yamal
Mundo Deportivo claimed in April that Manchester City were keeping a close eye on Yamal as Barcelona tried to agree a new contract with the Spain international.
However, Guardiola has now told SPORT he feels “surprised” that Manchester City are not showing any interest in the 17-year-old.
The man from Santpedor said: “He deserves it (a new contract). He’s certainly surrounded by the right people. (Lionel) Messi wasn’t affected at all, and he was a competitive beast.
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“I’m surprised City aren’t interested. He’s very good, and that was evident vs Inter when they (Barcelona) gave him the ball in extra time. As Hansi (Flick) says, he has to keep working, and I’m sure Barca will help him. What’s clear is that he’s in the best place. As a Barca fan, I’m very happy with his emergence.”
Lamine Yamal's TOP 10 goals! 🎬#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/JA4JqEuYq9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 28, 2025
Guardiola has previously admitted he leaves recruitment down to Hugo Viana – Director of Football at the Etihad Stadium – but even still, the Spaniard would surely be aware of who Manchester City are at least monitoring, so these new comments strongly suggest Mundo Deportivo were incorrect to link Yamal to the Citizens.
The two Manchester City transfers which do seem likely to happen
While the Barcelona wonderkid does not seem to be on Manchester City’s radar based on Guardiola’s remark, two players do look set to join this summer.
Manchester City expect to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan this week after agreeing a £60m fee for the Netherlands international.
🕺🏻 Da @RafaeLeao7 a 🚀 Tijjani Reijnders!!! #MilanSassuolo #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/NSLb75eONW
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) December 4, 2024
Furthermore, Rayan Cherki seems likely to follow – the France international was even asked about Manchester City directly during an interview with L’Equipe, where he said he is “ready” for life under Guardiola.
So, while Yamal is staying at Barcelona, Viana has evidently been working hard to sign other players behind the scenes after replacing Txiki Begiristain.