Manchester City has suffered a major blow in Europe. After being eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, Pep Guardiola's team faces a season finale without their main objective and with many doubts about the future.
The Catalan coach is already clear that the team needs a deep renewal to compete at the highest level again. Among the most important changes is finding a reliable replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. His main target is a Barça player, but the blaugranas are not willing to facilitate his departure.
Crisis at City: The End of a Cycle
The elimination against Real Madrid has left many questions at Etihad Stadium. Despite having dominated the Premier League in recent years, Guardiola knows that his team has lost freshness and needs new faces to remain competitive.
Players like Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish could leave the club in the summer. The Portuguese has been looking for a way out for some time, while the Englishman, who arrived as a star signing, hasn't performed at the expected level.
However, the most sensitive loss would be Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder has been the team's engine, but injuries have reduced his impact. At 32 years old, his departure to Saudi Arabia is increasingly likely.
Guardiola Wants Him as the New Midfield Leader
With De Bruyne's imminent departure, Guardiola has set his sights on Dani Olmo. The Catalan coach believes that the Spanish international has everything he looks for in a midfielder: vision, creativity, and the ability to make a difference in key moments.
Olmo has demonstrated his talent in the Bundesliga and with the Spanish national team, and his signing would be a future investment for City. Guardiola wants a player who can take on the leadership of the midfield and build a new project around him.
However, the signing won't be easy. FC Barcelona has no intention of parting with Olmo, as they consider him a key piece in their new project. Hansi Flick has strongly backed him and intends for him to be one of the team's pillars in the coming years.
Moreover, the player is happy at the club and has no intention of leaving. After his return to Barça, Olmo has found a leading role and wants to continue growing with the team.
Despite City's great financial power, Barça is not willing to negotiate. The player's release clause is high, and the English club would have to make a huge effort if they really want to sign him.
Guardiola Seeks Alternatives
Faced with Barça's refusal, Guardiola will have to look for other options in the market. City has the money and ambition to sign a top-level midfielder, but it seems Olmo won't be the chosen one.
With the Premier League and the FA Cup as the last objectives of the season, Manchester City is already starting to plan their reconstruction. The summer will be busy at Etihad, and although Guardiola has set his sights on Barça, this time it won't be easy for him to get his desired player.