Pep Guardiola rules out buying Sergio Aguero replacement ahead of next season

In a statement that would probably disappoint fans, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday that the club would not be making any new signings to replace the departing Sergio Aguero in the summer transfer window. He said that it was ‘impossible’ with the current prices and the pandemic hit economy. City has been linked with big-name strikers like Haaland, Kane, and Mbappe over the course of the season. 

“Listen, with these prices we are not going to sign any striker,” said Guardiola. “It’s impossible – we cannot afford it. All the clubs struggle financially and we are not an exception. Maybe we are going to buy one but today there is more chance we are not going to buy any striker.” 

Aguero’s departure would leave a massive hole in City’s attack, who have been playing with a false nine upfront in recent games. While the system has benefited the club in the short run, it might prove to be a bit of an issue if they do not sign an out-and-out goalscorer next season. 

Guardiola said that the club needed to be sustainable for the next five to ten years and that they never spent a ton of money on a single player. He also said that he was happy with his squad even when they did not win during his first season in charge.

“So when I hear that we are going to buy four strikers for ‘this’ amount of money, this is not going to happen. It’s impossible, and when that happens we are going to stay with the players that we have,” he said. 

Aguero’s departure would leave a huge void in the team even if they do buy a replacement in the summer. The Argentine is arguably the club’s greatest ever player, scoring 257 goals. 

The Spaniard also said that he was content with Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres who have played “incredibly in this position this season.”

The lack of a proper number nine may come back to haunt City next season. Although they are in pole position to take the league title this season, potential title challengers like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea will be looking to bring in substantial reinforcements in the summer.  

Manchester City currently sits atop the Premier League table, 14 points clear of second-placed Manchester United. With only eight games left to play, the title is theirs to lose.