Pep Guardiola has started a revolution in Manchester City's locker room after a season to forget. His team, at times unrecognizable, was close to missing out on the Champions League. Faced with this situation, the Catalan coach has demanded a deep restructuring of the squad.
The first major change has been the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, an icon at Etihad Stadium. The Belgian midfielder, a key piece in recent successes, will pack his bags for Italy. His destination will be Napoli, where he will look to end his career at the top level of European football.
Pep Guardiola | Premier League
The goal, the new open front at Etihad
However, Guardiola isn't stopping at the midfield. Now, he has set his sights on a critical position: the goal. Ederson, although reliable in the past, has shown signs of wear in the last campaign.
The coach from Santpedor wants a goalkeeper who brings more consistency and confidence between the posts. That's why he has surprised everyone by looking toward Barcelona in search of his next keeper. That's where the name Marc-André ter Stegen has come up.
Marc André Ter Stegen | @FCBarcelona
The German has been one of the silent leaders of Barça in recent years. However, the emergence of Joan García and certain internal disagreements have diminished his status. With the club looking to lighten salaries, the exit door has been left ajar.
From England, Guardiola hasn't wasted any time and has already contacted his camp. He wants an experienced, top-level goalkeeper, and he sees Ter Stegen as the perfect solution. The German knows the pressure, is skilled with his feet, and has the ideal profile for his play style.
Pep Guardiola | @ManCityES
Pep's call could change everything
Sources close to the player's camp confirm that he has already received a first call from Manchester. Guardiola was clear: he wants Ter Stegen to be his new number one. The offer, according to reports, could be around €40 million.
At Camp Nou they know that if a convincing proposal arrives, the transfer could be closed quickly. Joan Laporta and Deco wouldn't oppose if the German gives his approval. For the culé club, his departure would free up a large wage bill.
Ter Stegen in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona_es
Ter Stegen is calmly considering his future, but he isn't ruling out a change of scenery. At 33 years old, he continues to perform at a high level, but he feels that his cycle in Barcelona may be coming to an end. The offer from City represents a very attractive sporting challenge.
In Manchester, he would be guaranteed a leading role and the chance to compete for every title. In addition, he would work again with one of the coaches who best understands attacking football. The harmony between the two could be key to closing the deal.
Joan García | @__joangarcia
If the signing is finally completed, it will be one of the most talked-about moves of the summer. Manchester City would gain an elite goalkeeper with experience on big European nights. Barça, meanwhile, would open the door to a new era between the posts with Joan García.
The future is at stake, and Ter Stegen has the final say. His departure would be the farewell to one of the silent captains of the blaugrana locker room. For Pep Guardiola, a decisive step toward rebuilding his new City.
