Pep Guardiola Targets £50m “Exceptional” Midfielder as De Bruyne Heir

According to reports, Manchester City are prepared to invest £50 million in acquiring an “exceptional” midfielder this summer as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. Manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a strong admirer of the player in question.

De Bruyne’s Impending Departure

Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed his intention to leave Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season, bringing an end to his illustrious 10-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian midfielder’s time at City has been marked by unprecedented success, with De Bruyne playing a pivotal role in securing every major trophy available.

At 33 years old, De Bruyne’s legacy as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats is already secure. However, finding a suitable replacement for such an influential player will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for Guardiola and the City hierarchy.

Dani Olmo: The Ideal Candidate?

Spanish sources suggest that Guardiola has identified Barcelona’s Dani Olmo as the perfect successor to De Bruyne. The City manager reportedly believes Olmo would seamlessly integrate into his tactical system, with the Spaniard’s versatility being a particularly appealing attribute.

At 26 years old, Olmo has demonstrated his ability to operate effectively both as a midfielder and a winger. His performances in La Liga this season have been impressive, contributing seven goals and two assists when fit. Olmo also played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six matches.

While replicating De Bruyne’s consistent attacking output over an extended period will be a formidable task, Olmo’s recent form for club and country suggests he could be a worthy heir to the Belgian maestro. Manchester City’s willingness to meet Barcelona’s £50 million valuation indicates the level of faith they have in Olmo’s potential to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s departure.