Pep Guardiola has reportedly been left fuming after learning that one of his most trusted Manchester City players has secretly reached an agreement on personal terms with arch-rivals Manchester United ahead of a potential blockbuster January transfer. According to multiple reports from sources close to the Etihad, the City boss feels betrayed and blindsided by what he views as an act of disloyalty from within his own camp.
Insiders describe Guardiola’s reaction as one of shock and anger, with the Spaniard immediately drawing parallels to the painful departures of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal—moves that had previously shaken his faith in the club’s internal loyalty. This latest revelation, sources say, has reopened old wounds and caused a ripple of unease in the City dressing room.
Loyalty and discipline have always been central to Guardiola’s football philosophy, and the notion that a key first-team player has been negotiating privately with United has reportedly left him disillusioned. The player in question remains unnamed, but it’s widely believed to be a vital member of the starting lineup—someone Guardiola has consistently trusted in decisive moments and publicly praised for their attitude and professionalism.
The motivation behind the player’s decision is said to be linked to Manchester United’s promising revival under manager Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician has injected new life into the Red Devils, convincing several top players that Old Trafford could soon reclaim its status as one of football’s most dominant stages. For the unnamed City star, this resurgence appears to represent an irresistible new challenge and an opportunity to play a key role in United’s ongoing transformation.
Guardiola, however, has taken the news personally. He has reportedly confided in those close to him, expressing frustration that some players “forget too quickly what we’ve built here.” Determined not to let the episode destabilize his team, Guardiola has already urged Manchester City’s board to reject any mid-season exits that might threaten the club’s rhythm or focus as they chase domestic and European glory.
Despite City’s resistance, sources from Old Trafford indicate that the personal side of the deal has already been settled, with United now focused on reaching an agreement over the transfer fee. The club is believed to be preparing a huge offer, viewing the player as a pivotal signing who could elevate their Champions League aspirations and send a bold message across the Premier League.
For Guardiola, the unfolding saga is a bitter reminder of how football loyalty can shift in an instant. As the January transfer window approaches, speculation continues to swirl around the player’s identity—turning Manchester into a city divided once again by rivalry, ambition, and betrayal.
