It is Decided Guardiola makes it clear to Barça on Kevin De Bruyne next destination
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has set his sights on FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo as the ideal replacement for outgoing club legend Kevin De Bruyne, according to sources familiar with internal discussions at the Etihad Stadium.
With De Bruyne’s exit from City confirmed at the end of the current season, Guardiola has urged the club’s hierarchy to secure a top-tier attacking midfielder capable of maintaining the Belgian’s creative influence. Reports indicate that the Catalan manager considers Olmo—formerly of RB Leipzig and currently under Hansi Flick at Barcelona—as the perfect fit for the role.
“Guardiola views Olmo as the new De Bruyne,” a source close to the matter stated, highlighting the player’s tactical intelligence, mobility, and technical skill in tight spaces as qualities that match the demands of City’s dynamic midfield.
Dani Olmo, 27, rejoined FC Barcelona in 2024 and has been a consistent presence in Flick’s squad when fit. His return to Camp Nou was seen as a long-term investment in rebuilding Barça’s midfield with experienced, technically gifted players. While Barcelona has no intention of selling Olmo, Manchester City has made its interest known through formal channels, contacting club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco to open preliminary discussions.
Barcelona values Olmo highly and is reportedly unwilling to consider any offer below €70 million. However, the potential transfer remains complicated. Beyond financial considerations, Manchester City faces the challenge of convincing the player himself.
So far, Olmo has shown no signs of wanting to leave Barcelona. Deeply connected to the club and its vision, he sees his current role as central to the team’s development. Sources indicate that Olmo is committed to proving himself further in La Liga and sees unfinished business at Camp Nou.
Pep Guardiola
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola defended the team’s trophyless campaign after losing the FA Cup to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Crystal Palace earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City thanks to an early goal from Eberechi Eze to win their first major trophy in their 120-year history.
Consequently, it means Man City will end the season trophyless for the first time in eight years; it was also the second time in his career that Guardiola has failed to win a trophy.
However, Guardiola referenced the Community Shield victory over Manchester United in August as a trophy, despite the curtain-raiser not being regarded as a major trophy.
The former Bayern Munich claimed that they are one of only three Premier League teams that could be playing in the Champions League with a domestic trophy.
Guardiola said, “Of course, it’s important to qualify, but except for Newcastle, who won the Carabao Cup, Liverpool won the Premier League, and Manchester City won the Community Shield – the other teams didn’t win trophies.
“So the other teams, like Chelsea, who can win one title [Europa Conference League] against Real Betis, and [Manchester] United and Tottenham, can win the Europa League.
“All the other teams are expecting, of course, to qualify for the Champions League, but this is important for every club that plays in this competition next year.
“We played a really good [FA Cup] final, not enough to win it, and we have the last two games. We need four points to be in the Champions League next year, and this is enough, and everyone has to be aware of that.”
Guardiola is confident that they can seal one of the Champions League slots with five English teams guaranteed a place in the competition next season.
He said, “If we are not there [Champions League], then we don’t deserve it and will be in the Europa League. It is what it is.
“I am thinking we are going to qualify. My thoughts and the way I think – I think that. We need four points. That is the main target. I am absolutely [confident of qualifying].
The Premier League clash against Bournemouth is expected to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last home match for Manchester City ahead of his summer exit. Guardiola is hopeful they can win to ensure a memorable send-off for him.
Guardiola said, “We want to win the game so we can qualify for the Champions League next season – this is what Kevin wants; it couldn’t be otherwise.
“I am going to decide what is best for us to win the game against Bournemouth; that is for sure. Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.”
Manchester City are in a Champions League qualification dogfight with the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest with one game to go.
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