Manchester City is going through one of the most challenging seasons of the Pep Guardiola era. Despite having a star-studded squad, the elimination in the Champions League and their inconsistent performance in the Premier League have set off alarms at Etihad Stadium.
The English team is fighting to enter European spots, something unthinkable just a few months ago. The Catalan coach has already made it clear that he needs top-level reinforcements to reverse the situation. With a possible rebuild on the horizon, Guardiola has put forward a strategic signing that would make a splash in the market.
What complicates FC Barcelona's plans is that the same player was also on Hansi Flick's wish list.
A Priority Signing for Guardiola and Flick
The star who has won over Guardiola is one of the best young talents in Europe. A footballer capable of turning games around, who has become the key piece of his team and whom many see as the future leader of his national team.
This attacking midfielder has amazed Flick, who also wanted him for Barça. But Manchester City's interest and financial capability have tipped the scales in favor of the English.
According to "Football Insider," City is willing to offer 150M euros to secure his signing. An amount that Barça can't match at the moment, leaving Flick with no options to compete for him.
A Generational Talent Guardiola Doesn't Want to Let Slip Away
This player has excelled in the Bundesliga, becoming the beacon of his team and proving that he is ready to make the leap to a European giant. His ability to create play, refined technique, and vision have made Guardiola consider him the perfect signing to rebuild Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Barça was also interested in signing him. But the blaugrana midfield already includes names like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo. Although Flick would have approved his arrival, the lack of liquidity has made it impossible for Barça to compete with Manchester City's offer.
With the signing practically decided, his destination seems to be the Premier League.
It Is...
The footballer in question is none other than Florian Wirtz, the "10" of Bayer Leverkusen. At 21 years old, he is considered one of the most promising players in the world, and both Barça and City wanted him in their squad.
Finally, the scales have tipped in favor of Guardiola, who sees him as the new leader of his project. Wirtz will bid farewell to Leverkusen and head to England, leaving Barça without one of their most desired options in the market.