Manchester City Prepares to Face One of the Most Delicate Summers of the Guardiola Era. After a season that many describe as the end of an era, the English are fifth in the Premier League and were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Champions League. A performance well below expectations has set off all the alarms at the Etihad and motivated the club to consider a deep restructuring of its squad.
The goal is to rejuvenate the team with the young talents already part of the squad. Players like Nico González, Omar Marmoush, Khusanov, Phil Foden, or Erling Haaland represent the future of the club and are the pillars on which Guardiola wants to rebuild a new project. The Catalan coach seeks to return City to the highest competitive level by betting on freshness, physicality, and young talent, leaving behind the golden era that dominated England and Europe in previous years.
De Bruyne Leaves City: The End of an Era
One of the most delicate points will be the departure of several veterans who have been essential in City's winning cycle. Some due to age, others due to contract or simply tactical renewal, the English club is preparing to bid farewell to several of its legends. Among all of them, one name stands out above the rest, and it is none other than Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder, a symbol of City's play for almost a decade, has already announced that he will leave the club this summer. His departure marks the end of an era and leaves a huge gap both on the field and in the locker room. Pep Guardiola, aware of what this loss means, is already planning his replacement and is clear that he needs players of quality and vision to replace the '17'.
Pep Guardiola Sets His Sights on Barça
In this regard, Guardiola is once again looking at Barça. One of the names that the Santpedor coach likes the most is Dani Olmo, who has performed at a high level since his arrival. Although there has also been talk of Pedri, the English club is aware that the Canary Islander is completely non-transferable and there is no real option to sign him.
Therefore, Guardiola has asked City to try to secure the signing of Olmo. According to El Nacional, Manchester City would be preparing an offer of 65 million fixed plus 15 in variables, taking advantage of Barça's delicate economic situation. The plan is to tempt the club with a financially difficult-to-refuse proposal, especially if Fair Play complicates the planning of the next season again.
It Would Do Barça a Financial Favor, but the Club Doesn't Want to Sell Him
However, the answer is not so simple. While it is true that those 80 million euros would be a great relief for the finances, the idea of selling Olmo just one year later doesn't appeal to anyone. Barça fully trusts the Spanish international, both for his quality and his versatility in attack.
Moreover, Olmo has shown total commitment to the blaugrana project and has been key in important matches. The management and coaching staff consider him an essential part of the team's future, and only an absolutely exorbitant offer could make them change their minds.