Manchester City have started the Premier League with more doubts than expected for a European champion. In the second matchday, Pep Guardiola's side suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham, its nemesis in the domestic competition. The result set off alarms in Manchester, where the post-match analysis left one person clearly singled out.
The defeat not only exposed collective mistakes, but also an individual error that proved decisive. The second goal for the London side came after a serious loss of possession while playing out from the back. That detail has put trust in one of the team's most sensitive positions in check.
Guardiola, always alert to the small nuances that define matches, wasted no time in sending a clear message. In a press conference, he defended the overall performance, but admitted there are aspects that must be urgently improved. Among the areas highlighted is the goalkeeping position, where reliability now seems to have been compromised.
The goalkeeping dilemma at City
The English side is undergoing a generational change in several areas of its squad. James Trafford, a young goalkeeper signed this summer for €30 million, has taken on the challenge of being the starter. However, his first performances have raised doubts both among the coaching staff and in the locker room.
Ederson, until now the undisputed starter, is close to heading to Türkiye to join Galatasaray. The deal would leave City with only one reliable goalkeeper, a situation Guardiola is not willing to accept. That's why, in the Etihad offices, immediate alternatives are already being explored.
Among the leaked names was Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is not in Luis Enrique's plans at PSG. The Italian, however, is a complex operation due to the high cost and negotiations with the French club. That has forced City to look at other, more feasible scenarios.
An old acquaintance on Guardiola's list
The Catalan coach has not hesitated to put an unexpected proposal on the table for his directors. He knows perfectly well a goalkeeper who brings experience, leadership, and proven quality at the highest level of competition. In addition, this is someone used to playing under constant pressure, something essential for City's style.
The move has surprised because the target is not in France, but in Barcelona. Guardiola is closely following the progress of several Barça footballers and has decided to take a step forward. According to sources close to the English camp, contacts have already been made to probe an urgent deal.
Barça, meanwhile, is experiencing a delicate situation regarding squad planning and wage bill. The need to balance the books opens doors that would otherwise remain completely closed. Although the official message is one of calm, in the offices no one rules out unexpected moves.
Raphinha, one of the most affected
Inside the blaugrana locker room, the possibility of this departure has come as a cold shower. Raphinha, who keeps a very close friendship with the player in question, has been especially affected. The relationship between the two has been key in the group's day-to-day life over the past few years.
Internal sources indicate that the Brazilian has already told those close to him about his sadness at this possibility. Trust, conversations, and the bond between the two were common in training sessions and trips. Losing such a close support would be an emotional blow that's hard for the winger to digest.
Flick himself is aware of the impact this transfer would have on the locker room's cohesion. The German coach trusts he can keep competitiveness, but he also knows that harmony is an essential value. In that sense, losing such an influential figure could generate unexpected consequences within the group.
Ter Stegen in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona_es
The outcome seems to be heading toward a formal proposal in the coming days. Manchester City is willing to put an offer of around €10 million on the table. Guardiola believes this is the best option to immediately strengthen the goalkeeping position with absolute guarantees.
Barça, however, still hasn't made a final decision. On one hand, there's a need to bring in money for registrations. On the other, losing such a decisive player would be a very painful step. The board is weighing every detail before giving a final answer.
Finally, it has been confirmed that City's target is none other than Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper, after more than a decade at Barça, is Guardiola's obsession. Although for now the club insists he's not for sale, the pressure from England is increasing.
