While Txiki Begiristain is one of the best sporting directors in world football, it would be wise for him to consult Pep Guardiola before signing any player.
Guardiola is one of the few managers whose preferences for players in a certain position seemingly alter from one summer to another.
After Manchester City won the treble in 2023 by employing a wing pairing of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, many would have expected the club to steer clear of signing direct widemen.
However, ahead of the following season, City brought in Jeremy Doku, who is the polar opposite of wingers like Bernardo and Grealish.
Doku started in 18 Premier League games and had it not been for his mid-season injury, he seemed set to play from the off in more matches during his debut campaign; despite joining the best team in England as a youngster.
Pep Guardiola is also the most important figure at the Etihad Stadium to ask about the profile of player he wishes to sign as even at the start of every season, he seems to make tactical tweaks.
Despite the quality of a potential transfer target, the player in question may not necessarily fit into his adjusted tactical setup.
In July, it was claimed that Manchester City were keen on Eberechi Eze as one of their summer signings — with the report claiming they were willing to trigger his £60 million release clause.
Last month, journalist Ben Jacobs also reported that City were the favourites for Eze’s signature ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.
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Guardiola is worried about one aspect of signing Eze for Man City
The 26-year-old’s status within English football seems to be growing.
The fact that the Crystal Palace attacker was selected in England’s 26-man squad for the European Championship was testament to how his sparkling displays at club were level were becoming impossible for Gareth Southgate not to reward.
The Englishman was even utilised as a utility player off the bench during a few games in Germany.
GiveMeSport have claimed that the reason why Pep Guardiola is hesitant about the arrival of Eze at Manchester City is because he already has Bernardo and Phil Foden as options for the right-wing position.
It has been claimed that City were expected to pay £60 million towards his release clause up front alongside other add-ons in the future if they decided to make a move for the creative playmaker.
It seems like Guardiola’s know-how of his squad as well as his feedback has meant City have resisted their temptation of trying to wrap up a deal for one of the Premier League’s most exciting players.
Eberechi Eze is not a priority for Man City especially after Savinho move
Before Savinho was signed by Manchester City, a case could have been made that they were missing a player who could play on both flanks.
However, the Brazilian offers plenty of experience on both flanks while also being a natural winger, unlike Eze.
The Palace talisman is quite similar a player to Grealish in terms of being a natural attacking midfielder who can also be extremely effective out wide.
Much like the former Aston Villa captain, Eze also lacks the speed, the ability to run in behind defences and play his best football while being stationed on the touchline.
Savinho, however, is able to due to being accustomed to being a winger and as a result, Pep Guardiola’s hesitance about signing the former Queens Park Rangers talent is valid.
