Guardiola Turns to Olmo as Wirtz Nears Bayern | OneFootball

Dani Olmo Emerges as Man City’s Priority Target

Manchester City are intensifying their pursuit of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, with the Spanish playmaker now reportedly ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz on their summer shortlist. As speculation grows around Kevin De Bruyne’s potential departure at season’s end, City are keen to secure creative reinforcements – and Olmo is rapidly becoming their most coveted option.

Guardiola’s Midfield Plans Take New Direction

Florian Wirtz had been earmarked as an ideal successor to De Bruyne, and for some time, the German international was viewed internally as a dream acquisition. However, with Bayern Munich now leading the race for Wirtz’s signature, Manchester City have had to reassess.

According to Relevo, Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team have shifted focus, placing Dani Olmo firmly at the top of their summer wish list. While Wirtz remains admired, the likelihood of him heading to Bavaria has prompted City to accelerate their interest in Olmo.

Guardiola is understood to be a long-time admirer of the Spanish international, and efforts to secure his services have already begun behind the scenes.

Financial Firepower Could Sway Barcelona

Barcelona signed Olmo for €47 million from RB Leipzig last summer, a move initially jeopardised by the club’s ongoing registration issues. While Olmo remained committed during that turbulence – reportedly due to his deep affection for the club – the unresolved financial situation could force Barcelona to reconsider their stance.

Although Barcelona remain reluctant to sell and Olmo is contracted until 2030, City possess the financial muscle to test their resolve. Guardiola’s side are said to be “dreaming” of bringing Olmo to the Etihad, with serious discussions expected in the coming weeks.

“Olmo now sits higher than Wirtz on Guardiola’s shortlist,” Relevo claims, suggesting that the Premier League champions are preparing a substantial offer.

Alternatives Considered but Olmo Preferred

City’s search for midfield talent extends beyond Olmo, with names like Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt also considered. However, Olmo’s tactical intelligence, pressing ability, and positional versatility make him the standout candidate.

Crucially, Barcelona’s unresolved financial dispute with La Liga continues to complicate Olmo’s registration. The case has now been referred back to Spain’s National Court, and La Liga maintain that Barcelona lack the resources to officially field the midfielder.

This uncertainty opens a narrow but significant window for City. Should Barcelona be unable to resolve their issues, City may see a rare opportunity to acquire a Champions League-proven midfielder entering his prime.

Olmo, 27, has featured prominently under new manager Hansi Flick and remains an integral part of the squad. Yet if the Catalan giants are forced into tough decisions this summer, an Etihad switch could become a very real possibility.