Manchester City is intensifying its pursuit of a suitable replacement for Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
De Bruyne, despite facing a noticeable dip in form recently and drawing considerable criticism—often cited as a factor behind City’s inconsistent performances—remains one of the most influential and experienced figures in the squad. His absence will inevitably leave a substantial gap in the team’s structure, prompting City to explore high-profile options in the transfer market.
According to reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional, the club’s interest has shifted toward Spanish international Dani Olmo. City manager Pep Guardiola has long admired Olmo, having observed his talent firsthand during encounters with Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.
Although Olmo was on City’s radar during the previous summer transfer window, it was Barcelona who acted swiftly and managed to secure his signature, capitalizing on his strong performances in the European Championship.
However, Manchester City has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring Olmo and is reportedly preparing a substantial offer to tempt Barcelona into reconsidering.
The proposed deal is said to be valued at approximately €65 million, with an additional €15 million in performance-related add-ons—figures that could make it one of the most significant sales in Barcelona’s recent history, rivaling only the likes of the Neymar transfer in terms of financial magnitude.
Nonetheless, the potential move has sparked debates. Although Olmo possesses notable quality, his role under new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick appears uncertain.
He is not currently viewed as an essential part of the coach’s tactical setup, given the number of existing options available in attacking midfield and wide positions. Moreover, concerns about Olmo’s injury history—having missed several games due to recurring physical setbacks—add another layer of doubt to the deal.
Despite these reservations, Manchester City seems willing to take the risk, believing Olmo could be molded into a key figure capable of partially filling the creative void De Bruyne would leave behind. Should the deal go through, it would not only reshape City’s midfield but also provide Barcelona with a chance to balance their books and potentially reinvest in other strategic areas.
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