Grealish was a second choice? Guardiola rules out Messi’s arrival, talks Kane too

Lionel Messi is a free agent and it is certain that he will not continue at Barcelona. However, he will not sign a contract with Manchester City, who have been most linked with his acquisition along with PSG. This was revealed by coach Pep Guardiola, who also commented on Harry Kane.

Manchester City are set to celebrate the arrival of Jack Grealish, whose transfer was officially announced during Thursday evening. But instead, another issue was addressed.

For moments later, Barcelona announced that its era with Lionel Messi was coming to an end. The Argentine is therefore uncommitted and up for grabs. Of course, he was immediately linked with a possible Manchester City signing, but wrongly so.

Messi’s arrival was rejected at a press conference by coach Pep Guardiola, who at the same time wanted him in his team. However, he and the Manchester City management were convinced that he would stay at Barcelona.

“We spent £40m on Jack Grealish, we won another £60m. He will wear the number 10 because we were convinced that Messi would continue at Barcelona,” the former Barcelona or Bayern Munich coach was quoted as saying.

Guardiola thus essentially implied that Grealish was only the second choice. A very expensive second choice, of course. But what is certain is that in the long run, the arrival of the English international is more promising. Moreover, his quality cannot be doubted.

However, the Citizens coach also commented on the possible arrival of Harry Kane, who even sabotages Tottenham’s training sessions, for which he will be fined by the London club.

“Kane is an extraordinary striker, it is understandable that we are interested in him. But if Tottenham refuses to negotiate, it’s over,” Guardiola let slip.

The rest of the transfer window will obviously still be very interesting.

Source: Sky Sports, Tancredi Palmeri