Pep Guardiola keeps revolutionizing the market with new signings every week. The Catalan coach has a free hand to reshape his project as he wishes. He's not hesitating to take advantage of that freedom to secure key additions.
This summer, Manchester City has already signed Cherki, Reijnders, Aït-Nouri, and the promising Nypan. On top of that, Marmoush and Nico González arrived in January. It's clear that Guardiola doesn't want to waste time in this transfer window.
Pep Guardiola is building a more complete new Manchester City
The Catalan wants to have more options to compete for every possible title. That's why he's looking for young talent and pieces that fit his style. Each arrival responds to a precise and well-structured plan.
However, not everyone has a place in his project. There are profiles, no matter how established they are, that don't fully convince Pep. A Barça star has just received that message very clearly.
Ter Stegen no longer has a place in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City
The German goalkeeper has lost importance at Barça since Hansi Flick's arrival. His performance has dropped and his future is in doubt. In this situation, Manchester City positioned itself as an attractive possible destination.
However, everything has changed in the last few hours. Guardiola has decided to strengthen the goal with another name, thus ruling out Ter Stegen. The decision is now official and leaves the blaugrana goalkeeper with no options.
Manchester City brings back James Trafford for almost £34.2 million
Guardiola's new signing is James Trafford, a young goalkeeper who was developed at Manchester City. The English club will pay just under £34.2 million to bring him back. Trafford was a personal wish of the coach, who fully trusts him.
This move completely closes the door to other goalkeepers in the market. That directly affects Ter Stegen's interests.
Pep Guardiola sends a clear message with his goalkeeper choice
City doesn't have Ederson's continuity guaranteed and now Trafford will be the trusted alternative for the Citizens' goal. Guardiola is looking for security and potential, and he sees that in his new signing.
That's why he hasn't hesitated to rule out Ter Stegen, despite his track record. For the coach, it doesn't make sense to add such an established profile at this time.
Ter Stegen is left with no options in an increasingly closed market
With City's door closed, the German's future remains hanging in the air. At Barça, he's not part of Flick's plans, and the alternatives are shrinking. Only an unexpected offer could reactivate his departure this summer.
Meanwhile, Guardiola continues building his project without looking back. Ter Stegen already knows he doesn't have a place at Manchester City.