Guardiola praises Iheanacho, confirms buy-back clause

Matt Stead

Pep Guardiola has praised Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of his expected move to Leicester, and has confirmed that Manchester City will insert a buy-back clause into his sale.

Guardiola, speaking ahead of the International Champions Cup clash with Manchester United, ruled out a move for Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina and insisted Claudio Bravo will remain despite an error-prone first season.

Star turn Sergio Aguero is another staying at the Etihad Stadium, with Premier League champions Chelsea reported to be keen to bring in the Argentina striker.

“You know my opinion on Sergio,” Guardiola said in Houston.

“I said many times last season and I don’t change absolutely any words about what I said.

“He’s our player, he will remain here.”

But Iheanacho is headed for the exit door, the striker staying in the UK as a move to Leicester edges ever closer.

Wilfried Bony, who spent last season at Stoke, also looks to be on his way out, but Guardiola insists the only reason he is absent from City’s American tour is due to injury.

“It was/is an honour to work with him because it was not easy for him because I did not give him a little opportunities,” the City boss said of Iheanacho. “His behaviour, I’ve never saw a guy like him (before).

“He is close to making a deal, a transfer and he decided to stay in Manchester. Maybe next week or the next 10 days he is going to finish.

“We have an option to have the opportunity in a few years to bring him back.

“But he’s a young player and we believe he deserves to play. He needs to play at that age and that’s why him, the club and everybody, we decide what’s best for him.

“Bony is injured. If he wasn’t injured, he would be here but he had a little problem. It’s nothing important and serious, but he is recovering in Manchester.”