David Ornstein reveals final Manchester City decision on future of midfielder linked with deadline day exit | OneFootball

Manchester City will retain the services of Nico O’Reilly beyond the ongoing January transfer window despite late interest from Chelsea, it has been confirmed.

The teenage midfielder was the subject of late transfer interest from the Stamford Bridge side, who appeared intent on securing themselves a similar deal that took Cole Palmer to west London back in the summer market of 2023.

However, having learned from their mistakes two summer windows ago, Manchester City were far more difficult to negotiate with over the services of a player that is thought of very highly around the club, and particularly in the mind of Pep Guardiola.

Speaking earlier this month, the Manchester City manager told a press conference on Nico O’Reilly, “He can play in the middle, outside, both sides. Nico played for the first time (against Salford City) in his life at left back.”

Guardiola continued after an 8-0 win over the League Two side, in a game that saw O’Reilly score his first senior goal for the club, “He has the conditions to play holding midfielder but maybe he doesn’t believe he can play this. He’s another talent the club trusts a lot.”

And that trust has been reflected in the manner in which Manchester City have handled conversations with Chelsea over their interest in his long-term services.

As confirmed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Nico O’Reilly is now to stay at Manchester City despite strong interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea over the possibility of a deadline day transfer.

It is explained that City rate the 19-year-old midfielder ‘extremely highly’ and would have demanded a buy-back clause if they were to have sold the player this month, and such conditions would not have been accepted by Chelsea officials following an enquiry and talks.

Nico O’Reilly was one of the players handed a string of opportunities during Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States last summer, emerging as a firm candidate to stand in the defensive midfield role during times of absence for Rodri during the season.

However, having impressed in the States and during the Community Shield win over Manchester United, consistent opportunities have been hard to come by even with the loss of Rodri for the campaign due to injury.

A chance to play may come as soon as this weekend though, with Manchester City focussing their attentions throughout the week on an FA Cup fourth round tie against Leyton Orient at the Gaughan Group Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.