Manchester City Steps Up Pursuit of Dani Olmo in Search for De Bruyne Replacement
Manchester City is intensifying its search for a successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave the club at the end of the season. Despite recent dips in his form and criticism over his performances, De Bruyne has remained a crucial figure in City’s setup—making his departure a major challenge for the club.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, one name high on City’s radar is Barcelona’s Dani Olmo—a player Pep Guardiola has long admired, dating back to Olmo’s stints at Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig.
City previously considered signing Olmo after his standout displays in the European Championship, but Barcelona moved quickly to acquire him. However, Manchester City hasn’t given up. The Premier League champions are now preparing a substantial offer that could tempt Barça’s president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. The proposed deal is valued at around €65 million, plus an additional €15 million in performance-related bonuses—potentially making it one of the biggest sales in Barcelona’s history, trailing only behind marquee deals like Neymar’s.
Despite the hefty offer, there are doubts about the move. Olmo has struggled with frequent injuries and isn’t seen as a central piece in new manager Hansi Flick’s system, given the squad’s depth in attacking midfield.
Still, if City’s offer is accepted, it could allow Barcelona to recoup their investment and secure a significant profit—while Guardiola gains a versatile midfielder to help fill the void De Bruyne will leave behind.
