Jadon Sancho is unlikely to ever make a return to Manchester City, according to Pep Guardiola.
The 18-year-old made his England debut at Croatia over the international break after impressing at Borussia Dortmund off the bench.
City have first refusal on Sancho if they want to match a bid made from a rival club in the eventuality of Dortmund fielding offers for the winger.
Guardiola, however, doubts Sancho would look at making the switch back to the Etihad Stadium after leaving in 2017.
‘I don’t know, in football you never say no, but I don’t know,’ Guardiola said. ‘I think when he decided to move on from here it is because he doesn’t want to be here.
‘When he doesn’t want to be here I think he’s not looking forward to coming back here. That is what I think right now. Maybe in the future – new club, new managers – but I don’t know.
‘We know what we have done with Jadon. We did absolutely everything and he decided to move on to Germany so all the best. He’s doing really well.
‘He’s started his career and hopefully he can achieve what he was looking for. It’s a good sign for England that players are going there because it’s important for the future. I’m glad he’s playing well.’
Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne is ready to make a return from a knee injury against Burnley on Saturday and claimed Thierry Henry should make a success of his first job in management.
Henry has taken the reins at Monaco and claimed this week that Guardiola acted as an inspiration.
‘I wish him all the best. He was my old player in Barcelona,’ the City boss added. ‘I want the best for him, it’s a huge experience for him. He started at Monaco and he is going to do well. They are not in a good position but he’s going to do well. Sooner or later we’re going to find each other.’
Meanwhile, central midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to miss a fortnight with a hamstring injury.