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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
36
25
8
3
83
2Arsenal
36
18
14
4
68
3Newcastle United
36
20
6
10
66
4Manchester City
36
19
8
9
65
5Chelsea
36
18
9
9
63
6Aston Villa
36
18
9
9
63
7Nottingham Forest
36
18
8
10
62
8Brentford
36
16
7
13
55
9Brighton & Hove Albion
36
14
13
9
55
10AFC Bournemouth
36
14
11
11
53
11Fulham
36
14
9
13
51
12Crystal Palace
36
12
13
11
49
13Everton
36
9
15
12
42
14Wolverhampton Wanderers
36
12
5
19
41
15West Ham United
36
10
10
16
40
16Manchester United
36
10
9
17
39
17Tottenham Hotspur
36
11
5
20
38
18Ipswich Town
36
4
10
22
22
19Leicester City
36
5
7
24
22
20Southampton
36
2
6
28
12


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