Rio Ferdinand warns Pep Guardiola’s contract situation could harm Man City in the transfer window
Rio Ferdinand has warned that the uncertainty over Pep Guardiola‘s future could make it difficult for Manchester City to sign players in the January transfer window.
Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of June next year and he has yet to commit to a new deal.
Ferdinand feels that some players may be reluctant to join City if they don’t know whether Guardiola will still be at the club next season.
Pep Guardiola’s contract at Man City ends in the summer and he is yet to agree a new deal
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: ‘I was never really in that position as a player – obviously Sir Alex Ferguson was always fully committed and wore his heart on his sleeve in that respect.
‘But Pep is a different animal, a different character and what is more important is what he is relaying to the players. I think if he’s speaking to the players and he’s filling them with confidence, then it’s okay.
‘But the big problem with the club in the wider picture will be recruitment because if they’re talking to potential players that they’re trying to get hold of in January or the following window, if I’m that player I’m saying: ‘I’m only coming if Pep’s there,’ or: ‘I want to know who’s going to be next in charge before I make my decision and commit.’
Rio Ferdinand believes players may not want to sign for City if Guardiola isn’t going to be there
Guardiola has enjoyed much success at City but is in his last year and under some pressure
Ferdinand acknowledged that Guardiola has a habit of making late decisions regarding whether to stay at a club.
The former Manchester United defender spoke about how in demand Guardiola would be if he did elect to leave City.
Ferdinand said: ‘The bigger picture is probably the bigger question but I think his history suggests that he does make late decisions on his contracts and where he wants to go. Man City will probably know that and be very well aware of that.
‘Who wouldn’t want that guy in their dugout?’
Guardiola’s side secured a 1-0 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday courtesy of a goal from Kyle Walker.
On Saturday Guardiola played down suggestions that he could rejoin Barcelona next summer
The win saw City move up to eighth place – they are five points off leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
Guardiola has enjoyed much success since he took charge of City in 2016, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and three League Cups but he is under some pressure following a slow start to the season.
Although he has been linked with a return to Barcelona, Guardiola indicated on Saturday that he won’t be returning to the Nou Camp.
He told BT Sport: ‘My period as Barcelona manager is over. I think once in a lifetime you have to do things.
‘There are incredible people who can be in charge there, now for example Ronald Koeman.
‘It’s over, I will come back to my city to see my club, to watch the game, it’s done.’
