Pep Guardiola asserted that Manchester City faces distinct scrutiny compared to other clubs regarding transfer spending, contending that they would face severe backlash if they invested as heavily in new signings as Chelsea has done over the past year.
The scrutiny over City’s spending began in 2008 when Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour assumed ownership. Presently, the Premier League has lodged 115 charges against the club for alleged breaches of financial regulations.
In contrast, since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea in May 2022, the club has expended over $1 billion in player transfer fees.
Guardiola conveyed to reporters on Friday, “We would be under scrutiny beyond imagination. I couldn’t sit here if we spent as much as Chelsea has in the past two transfer windows — it would be a catastrophe.”
He continued, “We need to observe the market and evaluate if it’s viable and just to pay… Ultimately, we’ll pay what’s equitable. Otherwise, our academy is our alternative.”
Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic
Recently, City acquired defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for reported fees of 90 million euros ($97.79 million) and 25 million pounds ($32 million), respectively.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has brought in eight players. On Friday, midfielder Romeo Lavia joined for a reported fee of 53 million pounds, marking their second signing of the week after Moises Caicedo’s transfer, potentially rising to a British record 115 million pounds.
The Manchester City coach underscored, “I’m not criticizing Chelsea at all. I’m highlighting that if we follow suit, we’d face global repercussions. They have the freedom to act as they wish.”
He added, “If they decide to spend an additional 900 million pounds since Boehly’s arrival, another 900 million, and then 900 million more — they possess the resources. Business is business. They’ve also made significant sales this season, enabling them to pursue these expenditures.”
City initiated their Premier League title defense by defeating Burnley 3-0 last week. Their next fixture sees them hosting Newcastle United on Saturday.