In a rare moment of self-reflection, Guardiola admitted that allowing one of his former star players to leave for just £50M was a grave mistake.
This player, who Guardiola described as “world-class,” has since gone on to outperform not only the City players but also other top talents, including Rodri, in the prestigious Ballon d’Or rankings.
This admission from Guardiola is particularly notable because the City manager is generally known for his meticulous approach to squad management and the transfer market.
He rarely makes errors in such decisions. However, this particular move turned out to be an unfortunate misjudgment. The player in question, once a part of Manchester City’s squad, was sold under the assumption that the club could afford to part with him.
At the time, City believed the £50M deal was financially sound, and they likely didn’t foresee the player reaching the level of success that he has now achieved.
After joining a new club, this player has flourished and developed into one of the most exceptional talents in world football.
His consistent top-tier performances have not only elevated his new team but also earned him global recognition, culminating in a ranking above all of Manchester City’s star players, including Rodri, in the Ballon d’Or standings. This success has left City fans in a state of disbelief, as they question why the club let such a generational talent slip away for a relatively modest sum.
Guardiola’s regret is particularly significant because, as the manager of one of the most dominant football teams in the world, he is typically very careful with his transfer decisions. Seeing a former player outshine his current squad on a global stage has proven to be a painful experience for him.
Although Manchester City remains a dominant force in domestic football, Guardiola’s acknowledgment of the mistake highlights the harsh realities of football management—sometimes even the most calculated decisions don’t pan out as expected.
The bigger question now is whether Manchester City and Guardiola will ever make such a costly mistake again. This transfer saga serves as a reminder of how quickly players can rise to prominence, and it’s clear that Guardiola and the club will need to learn from this experience to avoid repeating the same error in the future.
