Pep Guardiola attempted an extremely ambitious loan deal on the final day of the transfer window, but was promptly denied.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City reportedly attempted an ambitious loan deal on the last day before the deadline.
City were not especially active on the final day of the transfer market, with the loan departure of Joao Cancelo being the sole noteworthy transaction.
After becoming dissatisfied with his lack of playing time during the World Cup, the Portugal international has joined Bayern Munich, who have a £61 million option to purchase him.
City did not replace Cancelo, instead maintaining Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez, and Aymeric Laporte as left-back possibilities.
However, it has been reported Manchester City made an offer for James Maddison, a midfielder for Leicester City. Sam Lee of The Athletic revealed on the ‘Why Always Us’ podcast that City’s arrangement involved a loan with an option to purchase.
The idea was rejected by Leicester because they did not wish to lose their primary creative player.
He stated, “I received an iMessage on my computer that read, ‘[Manchester] City would have signed [James] Maddison today if they could, and Leicester was offered a loan with an option to buy. “The answer was no”
It was rumored on transfer deadline day that City are interested in making a summer deal for the former Norwich City player, with Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan’s future uncertain.
Maddison will reach the final year of his £100,000 per week contract at the King Power Stadium in the summer.
- Jurgen Klopp’s ‘Not Fair’ Outburst Bangs Pep Guardiola as Liverpool Boss Takes a Stand
- Arsenal May Turn to ‘Unplayable’ Teen Who Scored Five in One Match
- Bayern Munich Hit with Injury Blow Ahead of Champions League Clash Against Manchester United
- Pochettino Sends Clear Message to Chelsea Board Following Disappointing Everton Loss
- Man United in Talks to Trigger One-Year Option in Anthony Martial’s Contract
Guardiola has previously praised Maddison, describing the England international as “an wonderful player.”
After City’s 1-0 victory over Leicester in October, the two were spotted deep in conversation, which sparked considerable social media buzz.
“He was asking why we didn’t play like the last 15 minutes for the whole game,” Maddison explained on what he and Guardiola were discussion.
“I think he realises it’s not as easy at that. But he’s a top manager with a top team so it’s always going to be tough.”
Maddison has also been heavily linked with Newcastle, who had two bids turned down for him in the summer window.
