Manchester City Chasing Barcelona Star as Florian Wirtz Alternative

Guardiola Eyes Dani Olmo as Midfield Successor to De Bruyne

With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the club’s pursuit of a new creative heartbeat has taken a sharp turn towards Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. While Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz was initially considered the prime candidate to inherit the Belgian’s throne at the Etihad, recent developments suggest that Pep Guardiola is now leaning heavily toward a different kind of maestro.

According to reports, Olmo has emerged as City’s “dream alternative,” particularly as Florian  Wirtz edges closer to joining Bayern Munich. City’s shift in strategy is not merely a backup plan — it signals a targeted, strategic pivot in their midfield recruitment.

Florian Wirtz Drifting Toward Munich, Olmo Climbs the Ranks

Florian Wirtz / Getty Images Sport Barcelona

Florian Wirtz has dazzled this season with Bayer Leverkusen, becoming one of Europe’s hottest properties. City had made him a primary transfer target in their long-term midfield restructuring project. However, strong interest from Bayern Munich — bolstered by their domestic dominance and German connections — has seemingly pushed Florian  Wirtz out of reach for Guardiola’s side.

That leaves Olmo, whose technical brilliance and tactical intelligence make him a compelling option. Though a different profile compared to Florian  Wirtz, Olmo brings with him a blend of vision, versatility, and experience at both club and international level. Sources close to the club suggest that Guardiola sees the Spaniard as more than a substitute option — perhaps even the ideal player to reinvent City’s midfield dynamic.

A Familiar Name on Pep’s Radar

Olmo is no stranger to City’s interest. Back in the January transfer window, speculation was rife that he could leave Barcelona amid registration issues that rocked the club’s internal structure. Though a move never materialized, it planted a seed of possibility in Guardiola’s mind.

Barcelona had fought tooth and nail to register the Spanish international after signing him from RB Leipzig in a €47m move last summer. Yet financial strains continue to haunt the Catalan club, and while they would prefer to keep Olmo, they may be forced to consider a substantial offer.

Guardiola’s Ideal Fit?

Guardiola is a known admirer of technically gifted, tactically flexible players. In Olmo, he sees someone who can operate between the lines, control tempo, and dictate the rhythm of City’s attack. The 27-year-old has already played under various systems at Leipzig, Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb, and now Barcelona — adapting seamlessly each time.

He’s capable of slotting into several roles — from a left-sided attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3, to a central playmaker or even an advanced ‘free 8’. With Guardiola constantly evolving his tactical setup, having a player like Olmo who can bend to the demands of different systems is invaluable.

Financial Muscle Meets Barca’s Dilemma

Olmo is contracted at Barcelona until 2030, and on paper, the Catalans have no reason to sell. However, as with many things at Camp Nou, the reality is more complex. La Liga’s financial rules have cast long shadows over their squad planning. Registration issues, wage bill restrictions, and the constant need to balance the books may open the door to a major sale — even if they’d prefer not to let go of one of Flick’s key players.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are among the very few clubs in Europe with the financial firepower to test Barcelona’s resolve. If they come in with a transfer offer in the region of €70–80m, it could force the Catalans to make an uncomfortable decision.

Contract Drama and Transfer Tension

The matter of Olmo’s registration continues to simmer. The final decision regarding his status has been kicked back to Spain’s National Court, as La Liga insists Barca lack the financial viability to register the player long-term.

Should that ruling go against Barcelona, they could find themselves not only unable to count on Olmo but also in a position where selling becomes the only viable option. City are watching the situation closely — and they are prepared to pounce.

Who Else is on the Radar?

Olmo may top the wishlist now, but he’s not alone. City are also monitoring Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson. Both are seen as long-term projects with plenty of upside, but less immediately ready to plug into Guardiola’s highly sophisticated system.

Olmo, by contrast, is seasoned. He knows the Spanish footballing ethos inside out, he’s played in the Bundesliga, and he understands positional play — a non-negotiable under Pep.

De Bruyne’s Legacy: A Big Void to Fill

Replacing Kevin De Bruyne is more than a tactical matter — it’s an emotional and symbolic transition. For nearly a decade, the Belgian has been the brain and soul of City’s midfield. His departure marks the end of an era.

Guardiola won’t be looking for a carbon copy — De Bruyne is irreplaceable. Instead, he’s seeking evolution. A new playmaker with different strengths, who can lead the next chapter in City’s dominance. Dani Olmo fits that narrative.

Final Thoughts: Decision Time Nears

As the summer transfer window approaches, the chessboard is set. Dani Olmo may soon have to choose between loyalty to a financially embattled Barcelona or a shot at Premier League glory with the reigning English champions.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are preparing to test the waters with a serious offer. If Barcelona blink, this transfer saga could explode into one of the summer’s biggest headlines.

Stay tuned — because when Pep Guardiola and a marquee midfield vacancy are involved, things tend to get very interesting.