Manchester City are gearing up for a seismic shift in their squad as manager Pep Guardiola sets his sights on a blockbuster signing from his former club, Barcelona. With the departure of two-time PFA Player of the Year Kevin De Bruyne looming, the Premier League giants have identified Spanish attacking midfielder Dani Olmo as their “priority target” to fill the void. This ambitious move, aimed at revitalizing a team that has struggled in 2025, underscores Guardiola’s determination to raid his old stomping grounds and restore City’s dominance in England and Europe.
The 2024-25 season has been a turbulent one for Manchester City. After relinquishing the Premier League crown to Liverpool and exiting the Champions League in the knockout round playoffs, the Citizens find themselves in a rare position of vulnerability. De Bruyne’s announced exit to Inter Miami at season’s end has further intensified the need for a creative spark in midfield. Olmo, a 28-year-old star who has dazzled at Barcelona since his 2024 move from RB Leipzig, has emerged as the ideal candidate. “Dani Olmo is a priority target,” a source close to the club revealed, highlighting Guardiola’s admiration for the Spaniard’s versatility and clutch performances. Olmo’s 11 goals and six assists across all competitions this season, including a crucial equalizer in Barcelona’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, have cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
Guardiola’s history with Barcelona, where he played and managed with unparalleled success, adds a layer of intrigue to the pursuit. Having led the Catalan giants to 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues, Guardiola knows the club’s DNA intimately. His desire to bring Olmo to the Etihad reflects not only a strategic fit but also a personal appreciation for a player who embodies Barcelona’s fluid, attacking style. “Pep has set his sights on Olmo because he sees him as the perfect fit for City’s system,” an insider noted. Olmo’s ability to operate as a No. 10, winger, or false nine aligns seamlessly with Guardiola’s tactical demands, offering a dynamic replacement for De Bruyne’s playmaking brilliance.
Olmo’s own sentiments could tip the scales in City’s favor. The Spanish international, who shone at Euro 2024, is said to have “appreciation” for Manchester City’s possession-based philosophy and admiration for Guardiola’s coaching genius. “It’s about the next step in my career,” Olmo reportedly told his representatives, signaling openness to a move. However, Barcelona’s stance remains a hurdle. The cash-strapped club, despite their financial woes, views Olmo as a cornerstone of Hansi Flick’s project and would demand a hefty fee, likely exceeding €60 million. City, undeterred, aim to finalize the deal before the Club World Cup in June, ensuring Olmo is integrated for their pre-season preparations.
The pursuit of Olmo is not without alternatives. City have also been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, both of whom offer youthful exuberance and attacking flair. Yet, Olmo’s proven track record at the highest level—bolstered by his La Liga experience and international pedigree—makes him the standout choice. “He turns up in big moments,” a scout observed, referencing Olmo’s knack for delivering under pressure. For Guardiola, who has vowed to “take a break” if City’s fortunes don’t improve, securing Olmo could be a defining moment in his ninth season at the helm.
As Manchester City navigate a critical summer rebuild, with aging stars like Kyle Walker and Ederson also linked to exits, Olmo represents a statement signing. His arrival would signal City’s intent to reclaim their perch atop English and European football. For now, the Etihad faithful await a transfer saga that could reunite Guardiola with a piece of his Barcelona legacy, igniting dreams of a new era of dominance.
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