Why Did Pep Guardiola Sell Yaya Touré?

During Pep Guardiola's tenure as Manchester City’s manager, one of the most controversial moves was the sale of Yaya Touré. This decision was rooted in a combination of tactical shifts, player dissatisfaction, and financial considerations. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this significant transfer.

Shift in Playing Style and Squad Dynamics

When Guardiola took over Manchester City in 2016, his primary objective was to implement a more intense pressing game and emphasize possession. This new style required players capable of adapting to his tactical demands, particularly in midfield. Yaya Touré, while an immensely talented player, was seen as less suited to Guardiola's system. At the age of 32, Touré's mobility had declined, and his ability to contribute in the new style was doubted. Additionally, Guardiola preferred younger players who could fit into his vision for the team's future.

Strained Relationship and Player Dissatisfaction

Apart from the tactical differences, the relationship between Guardiola and Touré also became strained. Yaya Touré's agent made negative comments about Guardiola's treatment of African players, which further damaged their relationship. Consequently, Touré's departure became inevitable, and it officially took place in 2018. This move allowed Manchester City to refresh their midfield and continue evolving under Guardiola's leadership.

Pep Guardiola's Rebuttal

Guardiola has offered a defense of his actions, claiming that he and then president Joan Laporta did their utmost to persuade Touré to remain at Barcelona. However, Touré himself is firm in his belief that it was Guardiola who forced him out. Touré famously stated in 2011, "Pep Guardiola didn’t have a great relationship with Toure and that's the main reason that Yaya left Barcelona."

Four Years of Success at Manchester City

Since joining Manchester City in 2010 for a then-staggering €30 million, Yaya Touré quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. His impact on the field and his contributions to the team during his time at Manchester City were immense. In the years since his exit from Barcelona, Touré has continuously expressed his love for the club while explaining his departure was strained by personal and professional disagreements with Guardiola.

Reasons for Transfer to Manchester City

When evaluating Touré's decision to leave Barcelona, it’s crucial to look at the various factors that influenced his move. One of the primary reasons was the presence of his brother, Kolo, already at Manchester City. Additionally, the financial benefits were undeniable, with a basic package of €170,000 per week, along with performance bonuses. Touré was also looking for regular first-team football, as his role at Barcelona had become secondary.

Impact and Legacy

From a financial standpoint, Barcelona's decision to sell Touré was criticized as one of their more expensive errors. For two supposed replacements, they spent €42 million on Javier Mascherano and Alex Song. Moreover, despite Touré's limited success at Barcelona, he flourished at Manchester City, scoring 10 goals in his first season alone, compared to only six at Barcelona. Moreover, the impact of Touré at Manchester City was such that Roberto Mancini built his team around him, allowing him to become a more central figure in midfield.

Final Thoughts

The disagreement between Touré and Guardiola regarding their relationship and the reasons for Touré's departure remains a contentious topic. Both have their perspectives, and it’s challenging to assign blame definitively. Ultimately, it is a reminder of the complex nature of professional football — the high stakes, the emotional connections, and the often blurry lines between player and manager. In a strange twist, it highlights how one decision can profoundly shape the careers of two giants in the world of football.