Pep Guardiola Admits Transfer Error, Expresses Regret Over Former Man City Star’s Departure—And It’s Not Cole Palmer!

Pep Guardiola is currently going through the worst season of a managerial career that had previously been almost flawless.

Even the best managers make mistakes occasionally though and Guardiola recently admitted to one that left him feeling regretful.

Pep Guardiola has admitted to making a transfer 'mistake' as manager of Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has admitted to making a transfer ‘mistake’ as manager of Manchester City

That mistake was not selling Cole Palmer to rivals Chelsea for £42.5million in September 2023

That mistake was not selling Cole Palmer to rivals Chelsea for £42.5million in September 2023

Guardiola says he regrets letting Spanish star Jesus Navas leave City on a free transfer in 2017

Guardiola told his former player: ‘Thank you for the gift of having spent a year together. You don’t know how much I regret letting you go.

‘I would have loved for you to stay longer here, but sometimes you make mistakes.

Navas made 183 appearances across all competitions for City and won three major trophies

Navas made 183 appearances across all competitions for City and won three major trophies

Guardiola and Navas pictured celebrating a win over Manchester United in September 2016

Guardiola and Navas pictured celebrating a win over Manchester United in September 2016

Sevilla legend Navas, 39, retired from playing when his contract expired on New Year's Eve

The right-sided ace also enjoyed success at international level with Spain by winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships of 2012 and 2024, as well as the 2022-23 edition of the UEFA Nations League.