After a season marked by injuries and accumulated fatigue, the Santpedor coach doesn't want any more surprises. His goal is clear: to renew the team with young, technical profiles who have Barça DNA.
Manchester City is moving quickly. The English club has already confirmed that it'll put €60 million on the table to sign proven talent. Once again, Camp Nou is becoming the starting point for its rebuild.
The first step has been to open the exit door for Nico González. The midfielder, signed by City last winter, hasn't met expectations. Guardiola has already decided that he isn't in its plans and his departure is imminent to free up space in the squad.
From Etihad to Camp Nou: The new target for Guardiola is very close
With De Bruyne's departure, Guardiola has refocused his attention on a familiar face. The Catalan coach has been analyzing Barça's internal situation for weeks, looking for opportunities that fit his tactical playbook. He already has a name: the new star he wants was developed in Spanish soccer and stands out for his competitive character.
Despite having names like Pedri or Gavi on his list, Guardiola is aware that they're unattainable in the short term. That's why he's chosen to target a slightly more accessible profile, but one that's equally promising. A footballer who has already shown he's ready to make the leap to a European giant and take on new challenges at the elite level.
The decision has already been made. City's coach considers this operation a priority and has already given the order to speed it up. The English club's board is working against the clock to finalize terms with Barça before new offers join the race.
An unexpected blow: Guardiola also wants Barça's silent leader
It doesn't stop in midfield, according to recent reports, Pep doesn't just want to strengthen his midfield. He's also looking for a top-level goalkeeper with international experience, leadership, and footwork. Someone who fully understands playing out from the back and knows how to command the box.
That profile has a name, and he's been in the blaugrana locker room for a decade. Guardiola has requested the signing of Marc-André ter Stegen, current Barça captain and an essential pillar of the team. The German is one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in Europe, and his possible departure would be a real earthquake for the Catalan club.
City has already held preliminary talks with his camp, although there's no formal offer yet. The operation would be complex, both because of the cost and the player's symbolism. In Manchester, they trust that a convincing proposal could make the blaugrana sporting management hesitate.
Ederson's departure, which is getting closer, would clear the way for this historic move. Guardiola considers Ter Stegen the ideal goalkeeper for the system he wants to bring back: possession, high pressing, and a high defensive line. With him between the posts, the project would gain immediate security and authority.
There's more: The hidden name also on Pep's list
While the spotlight is on the German goalkeeper and the desired midfielder, a third name has quietly emerged. He's a young player, trained at La Masia, who has broken out this season with goals and personality. He isn't an undisputed starter, but his performances have been key in several important matches.
That name is Fermín López, Guardiola wants him, City has valued him at €60 million, and Barça already knows it. The operation would make sense both financially and sportingly, and it could be closed in the coming weeks. If City completes the triple offensive, Camp Nou could lose much more than talent: it would lose identity.