Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the club made an audacious—but ultimately unsuccessful—attempt to sign Sergio Busquets as a temporary replacement for the injured Rodri.
With City struggling in Rodri’s absence since last autumn, the club worked tirelessly throughout the January transfer window to bring in midfield reinforcements. While they eventually secured Nico González from Porto for €60 million, they explored multiple options, including Juventus’ Douglas Luiz and Atalanta’s Éderson.
However, reports in Spain suggested that Guardiola had personally tried to lure Busquets—one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time—to the Etihad. Speaking in a recent press conference, Pep addressed the rumors with a knowing smile.
“He’s so happy in Miami! You know the weather there? He’s so delighted,” Guardiola said, shutting down any hopes of a reunion.
While Pep admitted that he regularly keeps in touch with Busquets, the 35-year-old legend had no intention of leaving Inter Miami despite City’s interest.
Why City Struggled to Find a Rodri Replacement
Guardiola also shed light on the challenges of signing an elite defensive midfielder, admitting that many of the players City targeted were simply not for sale.
“There are players that can do it, but they don’t sell. They’re so expensive.”
He also acknowledged that Mateo Kovačić and former captain Ilkay Gündoğan (before his summer departure) have stepped up in Rodri’s absence, despite not being natural holding midfielders.
“They are making an incredible effort, and I’m grateful for that.”
Nico González to the Rescue?
Ultimately, City found their man in Nico González, the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder who arrived from FC Porto for €60 million. With City facing a hectic February schedule, González could make his competitive debut this weekend against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, alongside fellow new signing Vitor Reis.
While the Busquets dream is over, Guardiola will be hoping his latest midfield addition can help City regain control in their pursuit of silverware.
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