Manchester City may have missed out on the signing of Riyad Mahrez after a late transfer window drama emerged with the Leicester City player but they did manage to make Aymeric Laporte, their club record signing after paying Athletic Bilbao his buyout clause worth over £57m earlier this week.
Eliaquim Mangala was later unveiled as an Everton player after joining the Toffees on loan following City’s 3-0 win against West Brom on Wednesday where Laporte made his debut after John Stones was left out of the side because he was unwell.
Although he hadn’t been given the chance to play alongside Stones, Laporte was keen to fit in quickly with his new team mates and said:
“I think all of us will help each other. We will get along very well. I’m sure about that.
“I think I can help him [Stones] with things and he also can help me with other things too. We will make each other better.”
Laporte had earlier spoken about how impressed he was with City’s facilities having met his team mates, adding:
“The facilities are incredible. People have treated me really well, I’m delighted to be here and I’m really looking forward to starting this new stage in my career.
“Looking at the results you can tell how we are doing. We are top of the table. I think we must continue in this way and I expect it’s going to be like that.
With the prospect of a World Cup call for France (or Spain) this summer, Laporte has joined a team with a strong chance of silverware at the end of the season and Laporte, who uncapped at senior level, is eligible for France or Spain (by residency), and could get the call to go to the biggest footballing stage of all.
Laporte said: I’m coming to a big club to achieve great things and obviously, the World Cup is a big thing.
“We need to work hard until the end of the season, I need to put in great performances, keep growing and try to be able to be called up for Russia.”
Midfielder Jack Harrison was also brought in from New York City FC and was immediately sent on loan to Middlesbrough.
Guardiola confirmed that some players would go on tour to America after the World Cup where next season’s plans would be finalised.