Pep Guardiola remains highly interested in acquiring the services of Pedri González, as he continues to view the talented Barcelona midfielder as a perfect fit for Manchester City’s squad. Despite already securing the signing of Brazilian winger Savio Moreira, City is still actively looking to reinforce its team, particularly in light of recent developments. The departure of Julián Álvarez to Atlético de Madrid and the unfortunate long-term injury sidelining Oscar Bobb have left gaps in City’s attacking and midfield options, making Pedri an even more attractive target.
Guardiola has long admired Pedri’s abilities and previously attempted to bring him to Manchester. However, negotiations at the time were unsuccessful, as Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, was unwilling to part with the young star. The dynamics have now shifted significantly following the dismissal of former head coach Xavi Hernández and the appointment of Hans-Dieter Flick as Barcelona’s new manager. Unlike Xavi, Flick does not consider Pedri to be an indispensable part of his squad, which increases the likelihood of a potential transfer.
Barcelona’s midfield already boasts a strong lineup with players such as Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan, and the recently acquired Dani Olmo. Given this depth, the Catalan club may now be more open to the idea of selling Pedri, particularly if they receive an attractive financial offer. The 21-year-old midfielder is currently valued at over €80 million, a sum that Manchester City, with its vast financial resources, would have no trouble meeting.
Furthermore, City’s management sees Pedri as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who has reportedly made plans to leave for the Saudi Pro League in 2025. Given their financial strength, City could opt to pay Pedri’s full transfer fee outright, but they may also explore ways to reduce the cost by including a player in the deal. One possible option is Matheus Nunes, who has struggled to establish himself in Guardiola’s squad since his arrival last year and may be deemed surplus to requirements.
