“I will return to Manchester City but only if Guardiola do this”: Gabriel Jesus is ready to rejoin Manchester City but if only Guardiola meet ONE condition

Gabriel Jesus Ready to Rejoin Manchester City—But With One Condition for Guardiola
In a surprise revelation at a recent press conference, Gabriel Jesus hinted at the possibility of returning to Manchester City—under one crucial condition. The Brazilian forward, currently playing for Arsenal, has made it clear that while he harbors no ill feelings toward his former club, any potential return would be contingent on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola agreeing to one significant stipulation.
The Condition: Playing Time
Gabriel Jesus was clear about his intentions to rejoin City: “I would be ready to come back, but only if Guardiola guarantees me regular playing time. I want to play a central role in the team, not just be a substitute. I’m at a stage in my career where playing regularly is essential, and I would need that assurance from him.”
This statement from Jesus has sparked speculation about the forward’s future. After moving to Arsenal in 2022, the 26-year-old enjoyed a solid spell in North London, quickly establishing himself as a key player under manager Mikel Arteta. However, with the current competitive landscape at Manchester City, where strikers such as Erling Haaland dominate, Jesus’ potential return might present both challenges and opportunities.
A Special Relationship With Guardiola
The Brazilian striker has always spoken highly of Guardiola, with whom he enjoyed a successful stint during his time at the Etihad. Under Guardiola’s guidance, Jesus played a pivotal role in City’s attack, helping the club secure several Premier League titles. However, with the signing of Haaland, Jesus’ role at City was diminished, leading to his eventual transfer to Arsenal.
Despite the shift in his career, Jesus made it clear that he still respects Guardiola and values their relationship. “Pep has been a key figure in my development as a player. He has given me opportunities and helped me grow, but now I need to play more regularly,” he explained.
Jesus’ desire to lead the attack rather than play a secondary role, like the one he occasionally found himself in during the 2022-2023 season, is understandable given his growth and confidence as a striker. A return to City would see him compete with Haaland, who has been almost unbeatable in front of goal.
A Tense but Respectful Decision
Jesus’ comments also suggest a recognition of the tension that might arise from competing for minutes with one of the world’s top goal scorers. He clarified, “Of course, Haaland is incredible, and I have no doubts about his quality. But at this stage of my career, I need to be on the pitch, showing what I can do.”
Guardiola’s tactical decisions are often fluid, and while he has rotated his squad to ensure freshness across all competitions, it’s clear that Jesus has certain expectations for his involvement in the team. The dynamics of Manchester City’s forward line are likely to remain complex as Haaland leads the charge, and Jesus would need to carve out a significant role if he were to return.
What’s Next for Gabriel Jesus?
Whether Guardiola is open to meeting Jesus’ demand for a guaranteed starting spot is still uncertain. City’s manager is known for his tactical flexibility and willingness to rotate his squad, but he also has a reputation for favoring players who fit his strategic vision for each game. The decision, therefore, lies not just with Jesus, but with Guardiola, who must weigh the potential impact of bringing back a player like Jesus into a competitive squad.
Arsenal fans are no doubt keen to see the Brazilian remain in London, given his importance to their title push. However, as footballing careers are shaped by moments of opportunity, Jesus’ comments add a new layer to the already captivating narrative surrounding his future. For now, his condition hangs in the air, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester City’s manager and their star striker can come to an agreement.
As things stand, Jesus’ future is very much uncertain. Whether a return to Manchester City will materialize depends on how his talks with Guardiola unfold in the coming months.