Pep Guardiola isn't having his best season at the helm of Manchester City. Eliminated from the Champions League prematurely and far from the lead in the Premier League, the sky blue team needs an urgent revolution. The first key piece that must be replaced is none other than Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder, a club legend, has already communicated his departure at the end of the season. Everything points to him heading to MLS, thus closing a glorious decade-long cycle. That has forced Guardiola to move quickly in the market to find his heir.
Guardiola Calls Home Again
It's not the first time Pep has set his sights on Barça. The club that saw him born as a player and as a coach is also his usual source of talent. Now, with the need to renew his midfield, he has knocked on Camp Nou's door again.
Initially, Guardiola dreamed of signing Pedri or Gavi. Both perfectly represent the type of footballer that fits into his scheme: technical, intelligent, and trained at La Masia. But the coach himself has assumed that it's an impossible operation.
Pedri and Gavi are protected by Barça and don't consider leaving. Their renewals are recent, and their commitment to Hansi Flick's project is total. Pep knows this, and that's why he has directed his attention to another player who fits even better to replace De Bruyne.
Manchester City Offers an Irresistible Deal
Sources close to Barça's environment have confirmed that Manchester City has offered a historic exchange. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in exchange for the player Guardiola wants as the new brain of the team. An operation that seeks to convince Barça both sportingly and financially.
Both City footballers could provide an immediate quality boost to Barça. Bernardo Silva has already been in the blaugrana orbit in several transfer windows, and De Bruyne, although on his way out, still has undeniable quality. The question is: in exchange for whom?
The Chosen One Is None Other Than...
Guardiola has his plan clear. Neither Pedri nor Gavi, but Dani Olmo, one of Barça's most versatile pieces and with whom Pep has maintained mutual admiration for years. In fact, Olmo was already on City's agenda last summer, but he preferred to fulfill his dream of returning to Camp Nou.
However, the current situation of the Spanish international isn't as stable as it seems. Although his performance has been remarkable, issues with his contract and the club's salary limits have put his definitive registration for the next season on hold. Guardiola has detected an opportunity there.
Manchester City is ready to launch a full offensive. They have not only contacted the player's environment but have also hinted to Deco the possibility of negotiating directly. Guardiola sees Olmo as the natural successor to De Bruyne, for his style, intelligence, and ability to move between lines.
Olmo, meanwhile, is focused on Barça. But he also knows that in soccer, everything can change in an instant. For now, the club is working to regularize his situation before the summer market, although it won't be an easy task.
If Barça doesn't manage to register him in time, Guardiola could strike. This time, it's not a passing interest: City is willing to sacrifice its two great stars to achieve it.