Man City

Pep Guardiola Admits 2017 Manchester City Transfer Mistake

by
OlaBlogger
September 7, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly reflected on a transfer decision from 2017 that he now believes may have been a mistake. The Catalan tactician, who has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, admitted that parting ways with a former player at the time may not have been the right move.

This admission comes at a period of significant transition at the Etihad Stadium, with long-serving director of football Txiki Begiristain stepping aside after more than a decade, handing over his duties to Hugo Viana. Begiristain, who joined the club in 2012, has been a key architect of Manchester City’s domestic dominance, helping Guardiola build a team renowned for its balance of academy products and world-class stars.Over the years, City’s recruitment strategy under Begiristain has been praised for its shrewdness – identifying value-for-money signings who went on to become elite performers. Ilkay Gundogan, Guardiola’s first signing in 2016, perfectly embodied this philosophy, joining while recovering from a long-term injury yet going on to play a crucial role in multiple title-winning campaigns.

However, Guardiola’s reflection on Jesus Navas, who rejoined Sevilla in 2017 after one season under his management, is a rare acknowledgment of regret. The Spanish winger had been a reliable presence for City since arriving under Manuel Pellegrini, but Guardiola sanctioned his departure at the time. With hindsight, and given the winger’s longevity and success upon returning to Sevilla, the City boss now accepts the decision may have been premature.

This moment of candour highlights Guardiola’s willingness to look back critically on his decisions, even during a period when City were laying the foundations for unprecedented success in English football.

FAQs

Which transfer does Pep Guardiola regret?
Guardiola admitted he may have made a mistake allowing Jesus Navas to leave Manchester City in 2017.
Why did Navas leave City?
Navas returned to Sevilla on a free transfer after spending one season under Guardiola, following several years of service at City.
What role did Txiki Begiristain play at City?
As sporting director from 2012 to 2024, Begiristain oversaw recruitment and squad planning, helping build Guardiola’s dynasty at the Etihad.
Who replaced Begiristain?
Hugo Viana, formerly of Sporting CP, has taken over as City’s sporting director.
How has City’s transfer policy been described?
City are known for avoiding overpaying, instead targeting value-for-money signings who often go on to surpass expectations.

Conclusion

Pep Guardiola’s admission about the 2017 exit of Jesus Navas provides a rare glimpse into the manager’s reflective side, showing even the most successful leaders occasionally look back with regret. As City enter a new chapter with Hugo Viana guiding recruitment, Guardiola’s honesty underlines the fine margins in transfer decisions – where one move can shape careers and club trajectories for years to come.

Related TopicsManchester City Pep Guardiola

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		P	W	D	L	Pts
1	Liverpool	3	3	0	0	9
2	Chelsea	3	2	1	0	7
3	Arsenal	3	2	0	1	6
4	Tottenham Hotspur	3	2	0	1	6
5	Everton	3	2	0	1	6
6	Sunderland	3	2	0	1	6
7	AFC Bournemouth	3	2	0	1	6
8	Crystal Palace	3	1	2	0	5
9	Manchester United	3	1	1	1	4
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11	Brighton & Hove Albion	3	1	1	1	4
12	Leeds United	3	1	1	1	4
13	Manchester City	3	1	0	2	3
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16	West Ham United	3	1	0	2	3
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19	Aston Villa	3	0	1	2	1
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