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Wilson-Esbrand’s Pre-Season Performances Gives Guardiola Second Thoughts About Buying a New LB

Josh Wilson-Esbrand switches the play

Pep Guardiola was delighted with the display of 19-year-old Josh Wilson-Esbrand in the 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.

Wilson-Esbrand has been outstanding throughout City‘s pre-season US tour and his potential will definitely give Guardiola an option provided City won’t sign a left-back before the transfer window closes.

WATCH: Goals & Highlights: Bayern Munich 0 – 1 Manchester City

After Oleksandr Zinchenko exit to Arsenal, Manchester City‘s top priority to fill the left-back position has always been Brighton & Hove Albion player – Marc Cucurella. The Seagulls defender has always wanted to join the Cityzens and told his club to allow him to leave should the offer come.

Wilson-Esbrand's Pre-Season Performances Gives Guardiola Second Thoughts About Buying a New LB

However, Brighton rejected a £30m bid for Marc Cucurella from Manchester City because they want an estimated fee of £50m. But City think this transfer is overpriced and Pep will surely explore other options like Jaoa Cancelo, Nathan Ake and now Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

ALSO READ: Thank You Zinchenko – His Final Interview as a Man City Player

Speaking at his post-match press conference at Lambeau Field, the City boss heaped praise on the left-back who gave an assured display throughout.

“The problem with Josh is the last two years he was injured,” said Pep.

“He had a problem with the knee and muscular issue, but we believe he has the potential. He’s aggressive to win the duels and with the ball is so clever, he has a good 1 v 1 defender and doesn’t feel the pressure with the ball.

Today was an example of how our back four were pressed but didn’t lose much of the ball. He did a really good game. If we can control his injuries, we will have a full back for many years.”

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Premier League 2024/2025

PWDLPts
1Liverpool
30
22
7
1
73
2Arsenal
30
17
10
3
61
3Nottingham Forest
30
17
6
7
57
4Manchester City
30
15
6
9
51
5Newcastle United
29
15
5
9
50
6Chelsea
29
14
7
8
49
7Aston Villa
30
13
9
8
48
8Brighton & Hove Albion
30
12
11
7
47
9Fulham
30
12
9
9
45
10AFC Bournemouth
30
12
8
10
44
11Brentford
30
12
5
13
41
12Crystal Palace
29
10
10
9
40
13Manchester United
30
10
7
13
37
14Tottenham Hotspur
29
10
4
15
34
15Everton
30
7
13
10
34
16West Ham United
30
9
7
14
34
17Wolverhampton Wanderers
30
8
5
17
29
18Ipswich Town
30
4
8
18
20
19Leicester City
30
4
5
21
17
20Southampton
30
2
4
24
10


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