Manchester City Decide to Retain Rising Star Nico O Reilly
Manchester City will retain 20-year-old academy graduate Nico O'Reilly despite transfer interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Pep Guardiola praised O'Reilly’s performances at left-back last season, though he sees him as an attacking midfielder.
Manchester City will retain 20-year-old academy graduate Nico O'Reilly despite transfer interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Pep Guardiola praised O'Reilly’s performances at left-back last season, though he sees him as an attacking midfielder. With his versatility and homegrown status, City consider him vital, unlike James McAtee, who may leave for £25 million.
When it comes to Manchester City’s youth development success stories, Nico O'Reilly stands out as a key breakthrough from last season. The 20-year-old academy graduate impressed manager Pep Guardiola after performing admirably in an unfamiliar left-back role, despite being a natural attacking midfielder. His versatility and technical quality drew praise, especially for stepping up in a tough season for City.
O'Reilly's emergence has attracted attention from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, but Guardiola has no plans to let him leave. Even though City signed left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £31 million, the club sees O'Reilly’s value beyond just positional cover. His homegrown status also makes him important for UEFA and Premier League squad requirements.
City may sell other players to reduce their squad size, with James McAtee expected to be sold for £25 million, and players like Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and Kyle Walker already linked with or confirmed for exits. Despite the reshuffling, O'Reilly is expected to stay, with Guardiola convinced his best role is as an attacking midfielder, given his knack for scoring and positioning in the box. As the club prepares for the 2025-26 season, O'Reilly remains a rare academy product firmly in the club’s long-term vision.
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