Man City set to sign best midfielder in the world” –to replace Kevin
Manchester City could be preparing to shatter the summer transfer window with a staggering £171 million bid for Barcelona’s midfield sensation Pedri, according to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes. The Premier League champions are said to be eyeing the 21-year-old as a priority signing to fill the looming void left by club legend Kevin De Bruyne.
With De Bruyne recently confirming that he will leave the Etihad at the end of the season—bringing an end to a glittering chapter that saw him become one of the most influential midfielders in Premier League history—City are now in search of a world-class replacement. And it appears Pep Guardiola has set his sights high.
Initial reports had linked City with a strong interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, another young talent tipped for greatness. However, with the German star seemingly edging closer to a move to Bayern Munich, City have been forced to pivot—and Pedri has now emerged as their headline target.
Pep Guardiola, known for his love of technically gifted midfielders, appears to see something special in Pedri. The former Barcelona coach—who helped usher in the golden era of tiki-taka alongside Xavi and Andres Iniesta—has reportedly been captivated by the young Spaniard’s game intelligence, composure on the ball, and elegant playing style. Much like Xavi and Iniesta before him, Pedri has an innate ability to dictate the rhythm of matches with surgical precision.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are enjoying a strong season of their own, chasing a potential double with hopes of clinching both La Liga and the Champions League. Pedri has been central to that pursuit, displaying maturity beyond his years and earning plaudits from footballing figures around the globe. Since winning the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2021, the midfield prodigy has gone from strength to strength, with many now hailing him as not only one of the best young talents in Europe, but quite possibly the best midfielder in the world.
But City’s pursuit is far from straightforward. Fichajes claims that Barcelona, and new manager Hansi Flick, view Pedri as untouchable—an indispensable piece of their long-term project. The club reportedly have no intention of negotiating, regardless of the money on the table. In addition, sources close to the player suggest that Pedri is content at Camp Nou and has no immediate plans to leave the club he has come to embody.
Still, City’s interest alone is telling. It underscores the astronomical value Pedri now holds in the modern football landscape. Having signed for Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2019, the midfielder has quickly established himself as the face of a new generation for both club and country. His vision, quick feet, and ability to thread impossible passes have drawn comparisons to La Masia’s finest—despite not being a product of the famed academy himself.
Even in a team packed with talent, Pedri often stands out as the brain in the middle of the park, orchestrating attacks with grace and guile. Spain’s national team have also come to rely heavily on him, with many analysts tipping him to lead the nation into a new golden era.
As Manchester City gear up for a potentially era-defining summer, all eyes will be on whether their financial muscle can tempt Barcelona into even entertaining the idea of parting with one of their most treasured assets. It remains to be seen if £171 million will be enough to break Barca’s resolve—but one thing is certain: this transfer saga could be one of the most explosive of the window.
