Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shed light on the club’s decision to reject Chelsea’s attempt to sign young midfielder Nico O’Reilly during the winter transfer window.

Reports surfaced last week that Chelsea had made a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old, but City were unwilling to let him go. Guardiola explained the reasoning behind the decision, pointing to the club’s current injury struggles and the need to rely on academy talent.

“We are not able to loan or sell players right now—we have had a lot of injury problems,” Guardiola said. 

“We need ‘Reilly, (James) McAtee, (Divin) Mubama—we have a lot of games and we need them.”

Guardiola also praised O’Reilly’s qualities and recalled being impressed with the midfielder’s performances after returning from a long injury layoff last season.

“He had a long, long injury last season,” Guardiola noted. “He came back in the middle of last season and trained with us and I said, ‘Wow.’ This guy has good things. From corners, good header, so strong in the duels, in the small spaces he moves well.”

The City boss highlighted O’Reilly’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple midfield roles: “As an attacking midfielder, you will see him arrive (in the box). He can play the dual position—holding midfielder, attacking midfielder. It’s because of the academy, we are blessed to have these players.”

Chelsea’s interest in O’Reilly underscores their focus on bolstering midfield options with young talent, but for now, Guardiola is determined to keep the promising midfielder as part of City’s squad.