Man City: Guardiola's plan to replace Torres revealed

The Spanish forward left Man City to join Barcelona on a £55million deal.

Following his move from Valencia in August 2020, Ferran Torres failed to force himself into Pep Guardiola’s plans. The Manchester City boss mostly used the Spain international as a backup for his regular starters on the wings.

However, Torres never disappointed to deliver whenever he came off the bench or started a game. In his 43 games appearances for Man City, the Spaniard scored 16 goals and provided four assists.

Having lost a reliable backup, many observers suggested the Citizens will try to sign a new forward this winter. However, Guardiola confirmed his side would not sign a replacement this winter.

“We are not going to bring in a striker,” the City boss said.

According to The Times, Man City are looking to provide their younger players with more game time. Guardiola will most likely use Cole Palmer as a backup while saving Torres’ fee for the summer transfer window.

Palmer made his senior debut in September 2020 and has often trained with the first team this season. He has made nine senior appearances while continuing his impressive form at the club’s U-23 team.

Pep Guardiola’s #ManCity staff have been so impressed by Cole Palmer that they would have no problem playing him on a more regular basis in the second half of the season. @ManCity will also reject any loan offers for Palmer next month.

[@hirstclass/@polballus]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) December 28, 2021

Another youth option is James McAtee, who made his senior debut in Carabao Cup earlier this season. Guardiola is a big fan of MacAtee’s qualities and closely follows his development.

Guardiola ‘delighted’ by City youngsters!

In an interview in November, Guardiola spoke about the development of the youth players at City.

He told the club’s official website: “We believe we have a good generation in the academy, with four or five players with quite good potential to help us.

“These guys have a good quality. Cole (Palmer), James (McAtee), Romeo (Lavia), Sam Edozie – he is injured – Luke Mbete, Liam Delap is injured and a top striker. We have good players in the academy.

“When we can use them, I am delighted. We don’t give them opportunities just because they are in the academy, we believe in them and then it’s on them to show it.

“For our fans, I know how they like to see Phil and Cole and the next one to come. The rest is about being patient. Work hard and when they have opportunities, they have to play good.”