Guardiola: Man City's Spending Not Linked To Transfer Ban Threat

Pep Guardiola has rejected suggestions that Manchester City's 170 million January spending spree was influenced by fears of a potential transfer embargo due to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

City made significant acquisitions before the transfer deadline, signing Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez to bolster a squad struggling in the league and barely making it into the Champions League play-offs.

Speaking ahead of City's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leyton Orient, Guardiola acknowledged that the verdict on the club's 115 alleged financial rule breaches could arrive in the coming weeks.

A potential transfer ban is among several possible sanctions if City are found guilty, though the club has denied any wrongdoing.

Guardiola defended City's spending, arguing that their net spend remains lower than other top clubs.