Pep Guardiola talks Gavi, Ferran Torres, Bernardo Silva, and Lewandowski to Barcelona

Speaking to the media (h/t La Sexta), Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talked about his former employers Barcelona and their transfer plans for the summer while attending a Golf tournament named the ‘Legends Trophy’.

One of the main targets for Barcelona heading into the summer is Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has been identified as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong, who is linked with City’s local rivals Manchester United.

When quizzed if Barcelona can Silva in the summer, Guardiola replied: “They will have a difficult time.”

Another of Barcelona’s top transfer targets for the summer is Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old played under Guardiola at Allianz Arena in the past and the manager knows what exactly he brings to the table.

Addressing Barça’s potential acquisition of the striker, Guardiola said: “We’re talking about Lewandowski huh, Lewandowski! He can adapt to any team.”

However, he did express some reservations over the transfer going through, saying: “But I don’t know, I don’t know if the economic situation will allow it, and I don’t know if Bayern will let him.”

Guardiola also spoke about exciting Barcelona teenager Gavi, who is close to signing a new contract after protracted negotiations and links to the likes of Liverpool. The 17-year-old is one of the gems of Barça and Guardiola praised him, saying:

“The level that Gavi has shown is fantastic, both he and Pedri. You can see that Barça is made up of exciting and good players. As a culé, I want Gavi to renew.”

Manchester City sold a player to Barcelona during the January transfer window in the form of Ferran Torres. While the Spaniard has bedded in well at Camp Nou, his finishing skills have been called into question as he missed some gilt-edged chances over the course of the season.

But, Guardiola has faith in his former ward, claiming that Torres has posted great numbers, while also adding that the forward’s game is also affected by how those around him play.

“He has had great numbers, I think. But football is not tennis, like Nadal, which only depends on him. When the team plays better, Ferran will play better. You have to see it in context,” Guardiola said.

Finally talking about Barça’s current financial situation, Guardiola added that he hoped things improve for the club soon which would enable them to make new signings in the market.

“I hope everything goes well for them but with the current situation, great things cannot be done. We all have to accept the current situation. We have to go calmly, we all know that if the situation is not good, you cannot make big signings,” he said.