Stefan Borson: Man City relieved after blocking Nico O’Reilly to Chelsea deal
Nico O’Reilly is rapidly becoming a key player for Manchester City after his impressive form this season.
O’Reilly has received plenty of plaudits for his performances, having started in 11 of his 14 appearances in the opening months of this campaign.
However, it could all have been different following Chelsea’s interest in O’Reilly earlier this year.
Man City turned down an offer from Chelsea for O’Reilly in the January transfer window, with suggestions it could have been worth up to £40million.
Man City star suffers blow after stunning Nico O’Reilly twist
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Pep Guardiola’s side will be relieved they turned down Chelsea’s offer for O’Reilly.
The 20-year-old has shown his versatility since breaking into the first team after featuring at left-back and in midfield.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I don’t think they were particularly close to taking the offer because they recognised what a good player he was, and he looks to be getting better and better.
“I think there’s definitely relief they didn’t take it, but he looks like a really top player, and it’s just a case of whether he can carry it on.
“I mean, it’s ironic. City waited a very long time to buy a left-back and finally bought one, unfortunately for Ait-Nouri, he got injured against Spurs, opened the door for O’Reilly and it’s hard to see how Ait-Nouri gets back in the side.”
O’Reilly started both matches for England at left-back in the latest international break, handing him a strong chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
O’Reilly backed for England role at World Cup
Borson insisted O’Reilly could be England’s starting left-back next summer if he keeps up his recent form.
“I suspect that O’Reilly is not long term a left-back,” said Borson.
“Despite saying that, he could well be England’s left-back for the World Cup, so that might change his perception of the position. But I suspect that his long-term ambition is to play further up the field.
“But right now, that combination of everything that he’s got in terms of his ability on the ball, but also his physicality, is making a huge difference to City. The one game he didn’t play recently at Villa, City lost. I think it would have made a big difference if O’Reilly had started that game.
“So, there’s definitely relief from City, and he’s showing himself to be the top player that I think City have always known he was.”
O’Reilly has made 35 appearances for Man City since making his debut at the start of last season, registering six goals and five assists along the way.
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