Guardiola’s Man City Targets

Pep Guardiola is set to take over the Sky Blues in the summer, so we can expect to see changes in the squad with some players leaving and some joining his soon-to-be side. Not all of the Man City targets will come to fruition, but I’m sure that some on the list will be wearing the Citizens’ shirt once summer comes.

Paul Pogba

(Image credit: Gazzetta World)

The French international has become the most sought after midfielder in recent years. He has all the traits that big-spending clubs look for: talent, dedication, panache and even age – being only 23. For the past two summer transfer windows he was the most talked-about player, and there was numerous speculation where he might end up next. However, he’s still wearing the Juventus shirt, but that may change this summer as ESPN believes he’s a prime Man City target. More importantly, Guardiola is known for having a thing for highly skilled midfielders, but first he’ll have to make room for him in the team (I’m guessing that Yaya Toure might be on his way out).

Kingsley Coman

(Image credit: The Score)

After being loaned out to Bayern Munich by Juventus, Coman has established himself as a regular for Pep Guardiola’s side. So far, the 19-year-old has made 26 appearance in all competitions for the Bavarian side and scored 6 goals overall – stats that are quite impressive for any young winger. According to Juventus, Bayern paid €7 million for a two-year loan deal with the option of paying a further €21 million at any time to make the switch permanent. It’s hard to see him leave the German outfit at this time, so I’m not sure he’s a top Man City target.

Sergio Busquets

(Image credit: Sportal)

“I have always said there are just two people who could make me change my decision to stay at Barcelona,” Busquests commented for ESPN. “One of those two people is my wife. On a sporting level, that other person is Guardiola. It’s clear that I owe Pep a lot and I would be honoured to work with him again.”

This should tell you everything you need to know about the midfielder’s future plans. Should some players depart the English club, then there would be room to accommodate Guardiola’s wish list. Just imagine, if City where to acquire both Pogba and Busquets next summer – they would boast the most fearsome midfield in the Premier League.

Thiago Alcantara

(Image credit: 90min)

Guardiola first nurtured Thiago Alcantara’s talent while both of them were still in Barcelona’s B team, as manager and player respectively. After the Catalan boss took over the reigns of Bayern Munich in 2013, Guardiola supposedly only wanted Thiago, remarking, “He is the only players I want. It’ll be him or no one. We need the special quality that Thiago brings,” according to Goal. Although Man City is pretty flooded now in the midfield area with some massive talents, I’m pretty sure that the club’s hierarchy won’t bat an eye if Guardiola will be looking to bring Thiago with him. But, you must also remember that Pogba is viewed as a top Man City target, which essentially puts Thiago after him on the transfer list.

Aymeric Laporte

(Image credit: 101greatgoals)

Athletic Bilbao’s Laporte has been on everyone’s radar since establishing himself as one of the most feared defensive players. At only 21 years of age and already showing massive talent, he represents great value for money. The fact that he has a £40 million buy-out clause in his contract should not deter Man City in their efforts to sign, after spending nearly £130 million on merely three players during the summer of 2015. Considering all the elements at play here, Laporte could very well join Guardiola’s Man City side next summer.

David Alaba

(Image credit: Eurosport)

Bayern have already sounded out all the alarms that they won’t be selling their highly talented left-back, but speculation about his departure continues nonetheless. Guardiola is known for utilizing full backs a great deal, and there were rumors he’s looking to take Alaba to Manchester with him. The Sky Blues have abundant quality players, but they could use additional recruits in the full-back positions, which is why he’s been touted as a Man City target.

Messi

(Image credit: Barca Blaugranes)

Every once in a while a story surfaces that Messi is looking to make a switch to the Premier League, but to be fair, that scenario is quite unlikely. Nonetheless, if that were to happen, the Etihad would probably be his first choice, and that would be thanks to Guardiola’s imminent arrival. This would see the Argentine reunited with the man that transformed him from a promising youngster to a global phenomenon. The only thing is that at Barcelona he’s already at the pinnacle of football, while Man City would be a step down for him, as they’re still waiting to taste continental glory.

Neymar

(Image credit: The National)

Nike are currently sponsoring only one big side in the Premier League, and that’s Man City. The American sportswear giant is also the personal sponsor of the Brazilian, so it makes sense that it would delight them to have him play for the Sky Blues.  If they were to acquire Neymar for a world-record fee, it would be a great deal for everyone – Man City, Guardiola, Nike – except the player himself. It seems that the 24-year-old feels at home with the Catalans, and, more importantly, they’re a side that can guarantee him success, while English side is still a work-in-progress when it comes to the Champions League. That’s why he’s not a realistic Man City target, for the time being at least…