The most recent transfer rumors as Pep Guardiola’s team strives to strengthen the roster following the treble
Manchester City is undergoing some roster changes following the fantastic 2022–23 season, which saw them win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. For various reasons, important players like Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan might not be on the team next season. Mateo Kovacic, a current Chelsea player, is one player who is anticipated to join the Citizens in the upcoming weeks. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s team is also anticipated to make some changes in the midfield. Here is a summary of the most recent transfer rumors:
Kovacic arrives
June 27 — Only a few days after Gundogan, the player who previously wore No. 8, left for Barcelona, City has acquired its new No. 8. After City and Chelsea reached an agreement on a £25 million deal with a further £5 million in potential add-ons, Kovacic has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. Kovacic, 29, may not have a history of scoring goals of the kind Gundogan did in the latter stages of his City tenure, but he is as clever a midfielder as you can imagine and should have no trouble adjusting to Pep Guardiola’s demands.
Any football player would consider it a dream to be a part of this team, according to Kovacic. I still have a lot of growing and learning to do, but I’m confident that, under Pep’s guidance, I can improve as a player, which excites me much. My current intention is to take a few weeks off to relax before returning to Manchester to get ready for the upcoming season. I wish to support this team’s continued dominance and trophy success.
Rice bid rejected
June 27 — Declan Rice’s interest was officially expressed by Manchester City after many days of negotiations with West Ham when they made an initial bid of £80 million with a further $10 million in prospective add-ons. It was promptly rejected by West Ham, just as an identical offer from Arsenal that totaled £90 million but had slightly less guaranteed money. Despite their wealth, City are not often a team willing to overpay for players in areas of need, and it is uncertain whether Rice is such a player with Kovacic set to take Gundogan’s place. However, the opportunity to significantly damage City’s title opponents from the previous season might possibly drive City to engage in a bidding battle with Arsenal. Jimmy Benge
Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona
June 26 — Gundogan made the only move he would have thought about after seven trophy-filled years in the north-west of England, agreeing to a two-year contract with Barcelona that includes an option for a further 12 months. In a Players’ Tribune piece, Gundogan stated, “If I was going to move, there was only one club in the world that made sense.” Barcelona or nothing, as they say. I’ve wanted to wear that garment since I was a young child. I know I still have a few years left at the top, and all I want to do is assist Barcelona go back to where they belong. Gundogan got attention from Saudi Arabia and Arsenal, but neither made a formal offer when it became clear that he wanted to move to Catalonia, where he will be teaming up with his old Borussia Dortmund teammate Robert Lewandowski. Jimmy Benge
City agree to personal terms for Josko Gvardiol
June 24 — The club and RB Leipzig are in talks to come to an agreement for the young Croatian center back as City begins another year of defensive renovation. Due to Bayern Munich’s interest in Kyle Walker, Walker’s future is uncertain. For Guardiola, having a mobility center defender who can switch to fullback depending on the tactic would be a major coup. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leipzig is asking for more than €100 million for Gvardiol, so he won’t be cheap, but it might be worth it for one of the best young defenders in the world. It would be a dream to advance under Guardiola at the age of 21.
Saudi clubs on Bernardo Silva
June 22 — Bernardo Silva is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to go to Saudi Arabia, according to the Spanish tabloid Marca. The athlete has not yet made a firm choice about his future, as Romano noted. Bernardo is a top target for Paris Saint-Germain, but Saudi clubs are now making a strong effort to sign him. Due to the Financial Fair Play regulations, the Barca alternative is now doubtful.
June 19 — Silva might play for the Saudi league as well. The current Manchester City player, as David Ornstein revealed on Monday, has been offered a “lucrative Saudi opportunity.” Although discussions with Jorge Mendes’ agency have taken place, Bernardo Silva now prefers to play soccer in Europe in the near future. But according to the report, all of the possibilities are taken into account at this time.
Will Walker leave or stay?
June 19 — Fabrizio Romano revealed that Kyle Walker may decide to extend his contract with Manchester City and remain at the club despite Bayern Munich’s interest. According to the article, despite the desire expressed by the German club, which is also concrete, this is still a realistic option. According to Sky Germany, Bayern Munich is attempting to reach a deal with the English club for up to €30 million and wants to complete the transaction as soon as possible.
