Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants the English Football League (EFL) to change the rules so new signing Marc Guehi can play in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Guehi joined City after their 2-0 first leg win over Newcastle in the semi-final, which currently makes him ineligible for the final.
Guardiola said it is “pure logic” that Guehi should be allowed to play. He pointed out that City paid a lot of money for the 25-year-old England centre-back and that he is now their player, so he should be able to feature in the final.
City have already seen other new signings benefit from rule changes this season. Winger Antoine Semenyo, who joined from Bournemouth, was allowed to play in the semi-final after arriving just before the first leg. Guardiola argued that if Semenyo could play, Guehi should be able to as well.
The City boss said the club will formally ask the EFL for permission, even though he doubts the current rules will be changed. He added that, in his view, allowing new players to play after being signed should be common sense, especially when clubs pay their salaries.
