LONDON, Aug 15 — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended the Premier League champions’ transfer spending in the wake of the British record signing of midfielder Jack Grealish, saying the club adhere to Financial Fair Play rules.
European soccer governing body UEFA’s FFP rules were introduced in 2009 to prevent clubs spending beyond their means and distorting the market, requiring teams to break even and keep wages and transfer fees in line with income. by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after it ruled that City did not breach FFP rules.Grealish for £100 million from Aston Villa, but Guardiola said the deal was possible because of 60 million pounds worth of sales by the club over the past 12 months.
“We have limits because of FFP,” Guardiola said. “We are on the same page like everyone. After that, each club decides what they want to do.“I have said before, there are owners who want the benefits for themselves. Our owners don’t want to lose money but if they can spend, they will.” British media have reported City are also ready to pay in excess of £120 million to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane as they look to replace Sergio Aguero, whoCity begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur later today. — Reuters