Pep Guardiola has set his sights on Dani Olmo, current player of FC Barcelona, as one of his main targets to strengthen Manchester City in the upcoming transfer market. The Catalan coach considers Olmo a key piece to revitalize the midfield of the citizens... Especially with the departure of Kevin de Bruyne and the need to rejuvenate the squad, eager for titles after a poor season.
However, FC Barcelona is not willing to facilitate Olmo's departure. After only one season at the club, where he arrived from RB Leipzig for 55 million euros, Barça values the player at 100 million euros... A figure that Manchester City considers excessive.
Pep Guardiola moves on with a former Barça player
In this situation, Guardiola has started to consider alternatives, and one of the most notable is Xavi Simons, a young talent from RB Leipzig and former La Masia player, according to Madrid-Barcelona. Simons has expressed his desire to leave the German club, and his release price is estimated at 70 million euros, a more affordable amount for Manchester City.
Simons, 22 years old, has had an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, which has caught the attention of several European clubs, including City. His youth and versatility make him an attractive option for Guardiola, who seeks players capable of adapting to his play style and bringing freshness to the team.
Although Guardiola's initial interest was focused on Dani Olmo, Barcelona's high financial demands have led the coach to reconsider his options. Xavi Simons emerges as a viable alternative, both for his potential and his cost, and could become one of Manchester City's star signings for the next season.
Xavi Simons will explore his return to Barça
In this regard, although Pep Guardiola has focused on his signing after the no for Dani Olmo, what Xavi Simons has always wanted is to return to his beloved Barça. He left at a very young age due to the lack of opportunities he was receiving from above and decided to accept a significant financial offer from PSG.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Simons and his entourage will explore one last time a return to Barcelona, knowing that it is practically impossible. The position is considered more than covered, sharing the spot with Dani Olmo himself. The destination of Manchester City appeals to him, but Bayern is also after him.