Ultimately, it seems like sporting directors Hugo Viana and Txiki Begiristain decide which players Manchester City sign instead of Pep Guardiola — as is the case at most clubs across world football.
For instance, Manchester City decided not to sign Declan Rice as they were unwilling to complete a staggering £105 million deal to sign him.
Pep Guardiola was apparently keen on signing Rice but ultimately, the decision-makers at City decided not to splash the cash to secure his services as Arsenal went on to sign the Englishman.
With how successful Manchester City have been over the years, the Catalan tactician may not lament the club’s failure to sign certain players.
Man City legend Sergio Aguero names Lamine Yamal as his favourite player
But earlier this month, Pep Guardiola candidly commented on Lamine Yamal by admitting that he was surprised Manchester City were not interested in signing him: “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. I’m surprised City aren’t interested. He’s very good, and that was evident versus Inter when they gave him the ball in extra-time.”
Guardiola continued to praise Yamal, saying: “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.”
Speaking to ESPN FC, Sergio Aguero has now named the Barcelona winger as his favourite player in world football, who the CIES Football Observatory claimed is currently valued at €402.3 million (£342.4 million).
“For me, Lamine Yamal. He is incredible.”
Aguero continued to praise Lamine Yamal: “He’s a very complete player. I wasn’t watching football but when Barca play and the other day when Spain play, I couldn’t watch it but you know he’s playing. So, you want to watch the game with those players who are so good and so complete, you admire watching them on TV and live.”
“I think, today, he’s at a very, very good level and very important level.”
Lamine Yamal said he was a big fan of a Man City legend
It seems like the Spanish superstar has a long list of admirers.
Apart from Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland raved about Yamal after he stole the show in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League last season.
While Guardiola revealed Rodri praises Yamal constantly whenever they speak about him.
As far as Manchester City legends go, Yamal is a fan of Kevin De Bruyne, naming the Belgian as the one Premier League player he would have liked to play with in the past.
Next season, the teenage sensation could face De Bruyne in the Champions League if Barcelona go toe-to-toe with Napoli.
