Manchester City is already planning the next season, in an atypical season, where the Champions League fight remains on the horizon for the citizen club, Pep Guardiola doesn't waste time. The Catalan coach works silently but effectively on the team's restructuring. In that planning, there is one name that repeats in his reports: Pedri González.
The Spanish international has become an obsession for Guardiola. The Santpedor coach considers that the FC Barcelona player is the perfect replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who will end his time at the Etihad this summer. At 33 years old, the Belgian has decided to close a glorious cycle in England, with a trophy cabinet full of titles.
De Bruyne will leave the club after having won everything: five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and, above all, the desired Champions League conquered in 2023. A legendary figure for the club that now needs a new creative leader in the midfield. The Belgian has decided to change scenery and start a new stage, probably in a lesser league.
Pedri on Manchester City's Radar
Guardiola's choice is not accidental. Pedri possesses many of the qualities the coach values: vision of the game, control of the pace, tactical intelligence, and the ability to associate in tight spaces. Despite his young age, the Canary Islander has shown personality and talent on big stages, both with Barça and the Spanish national team.
Moreover, his profile would fit perfectly in Manchester City's play style. Guardiola wants to build a dominant team from possession again, and for that, he needs players who understand positional play like few others. Pedri is one of them, and the coach is convinced that he could reach a stellar level in the Premier League.
1 Trillion Clause
The signing won't be easy, Pedri has a contract with Barça until 2026 and a release clause of 1 trillion euros. However, the English team could take advantage of the Catalan club's delicate financial situation. Financial Fair Play and the need to generate income could open an unexpected door.
In England, they assure that Manchester City would be willing to present a historic offer. The figures haven't been leaked yet, but there is speculation about a proposal close to 100 million euros. An amount that could make Joan Laporta reflect, especially if LaLiga's pressure forces the club to balance the books.
Meanwhile, Pedri remains focused on finishing the season well with Barça, but he knows that his future will be one of the hot topics of the summer. Guardiola's call seduces any player, even more so if it comes with a competitive and ambitious project. Although both Barça and Pedri González are clear, there is no interest in leaving for Manchester or any other team, neither for 100 nor for 1 trillion.