Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced concern that failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could significantly affect the club’s ability to secure top-tier talent in the upcoming summer transfer window. As the Premier League enters its final stretch, the reigning English champions are locked in a fierce battle for a top-four finish, with serious implications hanging over their transfer ambitions.

Currently sitting fifth on the Premier League table, City is under pressure to hold off rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa both just one point behind in the race for Champions League qualification. The possibility of missing out on Europe’s elite competition for the first time in Guardiola’s tenure is not lost on the Spaniard.

“It’s a good question,” Guardiola admitted when asked if Champions League football would influence their ability to sign top players. “It depends on the players we want and whether they just have one option. If they have many, I’m pretty sure the players take a look at the ones in the Champions League, of course.”

City are reportedly interested in several high-profile targets this summer, including Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz a potential long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. However, Wirtz is also being courted by clubs already assured of Champions League football, such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, which could complicate City's pursuit.

Despite spending over £180 million during the January transfer window, Guardiola emphasized the importance of availability and reliability among his players. “If a player will be like this season, play just 20% or 25% of the games, if he stays, maybe we need another player in that position because he’s not reliable,” he stated, hinting at possible exits for injury-prone or underperforming stars.

City’s recent run of form has been less than convincing. The club was knocked out of the Champions League earlier this year by Real Madrid in a 6-3 aggregate defeat. Domestically, they trail leaders Liverpool by a staggering 21 points. With only a few matches left in the season, their upcoming clashes against Everton and Aston Villa could determine whether City maintains their European status.

Guardiola, however, remains resolute and focused. “I will not give up. I want to do it. And with the situations that we have, we have to do it,” he said, exuding his trademark determination.

Missing out on the Champions League would be more than a blow to pride for a club of City's stature it could also result in financial repercussions and a weaker hand in negotiating with elite-level players. As the pressure mounts, Guardiola’s men know they must dig deep if they are to ensure the club remains in the top tier of European football.