Published 13:25 1 May 2024 GMT+1

Pep Guardiola has huge regrets over letting one key star last summer, with replacement signings not filling the former City man's shoes.

The Manchester City boss has not made many bad decisions in his career particularly on the transfer front, with signings like John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne turning out to be some of the best bits of business in Premier League history.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Guardiola is having serious regrets over his decision to allow Ilkay Gündogan to leave the club in the summer on a free transfer.

The report states: "Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have noticed Gündogan's departure this season. The coach misses his presence, his play, and his impact. The players signed to replace him have not made him forget and the English club regrets not having been insistent with his renewal.

"Pep did not want to let him leave but City took his renewal calmly. The English have noticed the emptiness in the engine room."

Gündogan joined Barcelona following his contract expiring at the Etihad. The German has scored five times and provided seven assists in La Liga this season.

Guardiola signed Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic in the summer in an attempt to replace the German, but neither have really made the same impact Gündogan had on the squad, particularly as a leader.

"The German was one of City's captains, essential in the locker room and also on the field. Intelligent, he arrived well from the second line, he slipped between the lines, he was a great passer and assistant. He knew what to do at all times," The report continued.

Mundo Deportivo also suggests Gündogan was integral to the form of Erling Haaland, and the Norwegian's slight dip in form could be down to the exit of the 33-year-old.

"His goals always managed to unclog City. Haaland, even, seems less equipped with offensive venom. The 'citizens' are having a hard time finding the Norwegian striker."

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