Manchester City secure Nico O’Reilly to fend off Premier League & Leverkusen bids | OneFootball

Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Nico O’Reilly over a contract extension that will keep him at the club beyond this summer.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, City turned down two bids from Bayer Leverkusen and also rejected offers from unnamed Premier League clubs before offering O’Reilly a new deal.

He made 23 appearances last season after breaking into the first team, featuring mostly as a left-back due to injuries elsewhere in the squad.

Despite playing out of position, he recorded five goals and two assists and impressed manager Pep Guardiola with his versatility and composure.

“There’s no expectation he will leave,” a source close to the club told BBC Sport, with the player seen as an important part of City’s long-term plans.

O’Reilly described his first senior season as ‘an amazing feeling’ and said he had grown ‘more comfortable’ as the campaign progressed.

The England youth international was a key figure during City’s run to the FA Cup final, and his deployment at left-back allowed Josko Gvardiol to shift centrally.

Although City have since signed Rayan Ait-Nouri to strengthen that area, O’Reilly is expected to offer support this season while developing into a long-term midfield option.

His preferred position is in the centre of the park, and the club believe his goal threat, physical presence and technical ability will make him a valuable asset going forward.

The focus remains on continuing O’Reilly’s development and ensuring he plays a prominent role in Guardiola’s plans.

City’s decision to lock down one of their brightest prospects, despite serious interest from other clubs, underlines their belief in his long-term potential.