There is no solid or trustworthy evidence to support the claim that Pep Guardiola made these strong and provocative comments about a £99 million-rated striker choosing Manchester United over Manchester City, nor is there any official record of him saying, “he’ll never win trophies again.”
🔎 In-Depth Fact-Check
1️⃣ No Credible News Sources Have Reported This
Extensive searches across major and reliable sports media outlets — including The Times, Goal.com, and several others — show absolutely no record of Guardiola making such a statement.
None of the reputable sports journalists or Manchester-based correspondents have reported Guardiola making any public comment resembling this, especially about losing a transfer battle to Manchester United for a €99 million-rated player.
2️⃣ Guardiola’s Usual Public Tone Is Completely Different
When we examine Guardiola’s recent interviews and press conferences, his approach has always been more about accountability, humility, and responsibility, not about taking personal shots at players or rival clubs.
Following Manchester City’s underwhelming end to the recent season, Guardiola spoke openly about his own role in the team’s struggles, admitting that he was “not good enough” and that the team as a whole must “find solutions” moving forward.
This is a very different tone from the supposed bitter comments floating around social media.
Instead of making bitter remarks or personal jabs, Guardiola often uses setbacks as an opportunity to encourage reflection, growth, and improvement — both for himself and his team.
He remains professional, even when discussing tough topics like failing to win trophies or missing out on transfer targets.
3️⃣ No €99 Million Manchester United Signing Has Been Confirmed
Despite ongoing transfer speculation linking Manchester United with several top strikers — including names like Viktor Gyökeres, Hugo Ekitike, Victor Osimhen, and Liam Delap — there is currently no official confirmation that Manchester United have signed any striker for £99 million or any similar amount.
Reliable sports platforms like GiveMeSport and TeamTalk have reported ongoing negotiations and interest, but no deal of this magnitude has been finalized or publicly announced at this time.
4️⃣ Guardiola Is Unlikely to Make Such Confrontational Comments
Even when Guardiola has faced disappointments in the transfer market before, he has never used such aggressive language.
The alleged quote, “he’ll never win trophies again,” stands completely at odds with his usual style of communication.
Guardiola typically emphasizes themes like learning, self-improvement, and focusing on his own squad.
He rarely, if ever, attacks individual players’ decisions or criticizes rival clubs for securing certain transfers.
Public statements from Guardiola over the years have been remarkably consistent — centered on unity, resilience, and personal accountability.
In addition, reputable news agencies such as Reuters, Yahoo Sports, and others reflect this same calm and measured tone in their reporting on Guardiola.
Summary:
There is no verified or credible source backing up the story that Pep Guardiola made harsh remarks about a €99 million-rated striker joining Manchester United.
Both Guardiola’s usual behavior and the lack of any actual transfer confirmation point clearly to this story being nothing more than internet rumor or fabricated drama, likely designed to stir controversy among fans during the summer transfer window.