The departures of Grealish and Savinho from Manchester City have left a clear gap on the left wing. Pep Guardiola, who keeps his blaugrana sentiment intact, has already decided who he wants to fill it. The Catalan coach is looking for a signing that will not only strengthen his team, but will also have a special meaning for Barça's fans.
At Camp Nou, the operation is being followed with interest, as they know that taking a key piece from the eternal rival would be a symbolic blow. Even though it's a move by City, in Barcelona it would be seen as a nod from Guardiola to his lifelong colors.
The profile they're looking for is clear: a fast, unbalancing winger, with a scoring touch and used to big stages. The chosen one more than meets those characteristics, although he's going through a complicated moment at his current club.
Manchester City | @kalvinphillips
A player looking for the spotlight
At Real Madrid, the arrival of Kylian Mbappé has changed the distribution of minutes in the attack. The protagonist of this story has seen how his natural wing was taken, first by Vinícius and then by the Frenchman. Xabi Alonso has made it clear to him that his role is now secondary, something the player isn't willing to accept.
The situation has caused frustration, especially after he scored decisive goals in recent titles. The player feels that he's no longer valued as before and that he needs a new challenge to regain his place in the elite.
During the summer, his name has been linked to Liverpool, Arsenal, or Tottenham. However, Guardiola's entry into the scene has completely changed the outlook. The Catalan coach sees him as the perfect piece to rebuild his attack.
Pep Guardiola | @ManCityES
City's proposal
Manchester City is willing to reach €100 million, the amount Real Madrid is asking for his transfer. For Guardiola, he would be an immediate reinforcement who would fit naturally into his system and more than make up for Grealish's absence.
From Barcelona, they interpret that this operation would have a special flavor. Guardiola, a symbol of Barça and its philosophy, could leave the eternal rival reeling without the culé club lifting a finger. It wouldn't be the first time that his hand in the market indirectly benefits the blaugranas.
The player, meanwhile, is open to a change of scenery and the idea of working with Guardiola is very attractive to him. The Premier would offer him an ideal showcase to shine again and arrive with confidence at major international events.
Xavi Simons | @xavisimons
Alongside this operation, City is also considering signing Xavi Simons, a former La Masia player, who wants to leave RB Leipzig. His arrival would be another nod to the culé academy and to a play style that Guardiola has never abandoned.
In Madrid, the surprise is enormous. The move would not only strengthen the European champion, but would also weaken the whites at a key point in their attack. The footballer in question is none other than Rodrygo Goes, whose future could change radically if Guardiola decides to take the final step.
