Manchester City‘s World Cup-winning striker Julian Alvarez seems to be done playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland. Citing his urge to play more in important games, Alvarez said he would mull over his future with City, where he did not get the playtime he wanted. With Alvarez’s impending exit looming, media, pundits, and fans wonder who Pep Guardiola will sign as a replacement for the ace striker. However, the Spanish tactician conveniently dismissed the idea of replacing one player with another.

Pep Guardiola said he and fellow Cityzens would patiently wait for Julian Alvarez’s agent to call the club’s director once he has made a decision. Alvarez, notably said he will decide after the Paris Olympic soccer campaign with Argentina. “We are not thinking about replacing. I know he said he’s going to think about it, his agent is going to call Txiki(Begiristain), we’re going to see what happens. I know he wants to play in important moments too, but others ones too. We have 18, 19 players that want to play important games,” said Pep Guardiola, as compiled by City Xtra on X.

Uncertainty started to loom over Alvarez’s City future after he complained about being snubbed from important games, despite having a decent playtime in the Premier League. “Last season I was one of the players with the most minutes in the team in the Premier League, but it is true that in some important games when you have to be on the sidelines you don’t like it,” said Julian Alvarez. Guardiola had notably snubbed Alvarez in key games including the FA Cup final to start Erling Haaland in his position.

In a blow for the Spanish coach, Julian Alvarez is not the only star likely to leave the Etihad before the new season.

Pep Guardiola might lose star players, including the Manchester City goalie Ederson

City’s Champions League-winning goalie Ederson said that he has yet to decide on his future with the club this summer. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian powerhouses, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, are reportedly vying for the Brazilian goalie’s signature. Pep Guardiola, anyhow, badly wants the 30-year-old to continue guarding City’s goalpost. “I wish with the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us,” said Guardiola.

Besides Ederson, rumors have also been linking Kevin De Bruyne to Al Ittihad. Certain rumors had it that the Saudi club offered to pay more than a million dollars every week to the Belgian midfielder. However, Guardiola said there has not been any offer from Ittihad so far. He added that De Bruyne will continue with City. But the veteran boss did not rule out the chances of De Bruyne bidding farewell to the Manchester club if Ittihad or some other club makes an enterprising offer. Only time will tell how the Cityzens will weather this chaotic transfer season.