Manchester City might make an ambitious double transfer swoop, drastically weakening one of their Champions League rivals.
City had a historic 2022/23 season, winning the Treble and, perhaps more importantly, its first Champions League title.
Last summer, City did not make a big makeover of Guardiola’s roster, instead signing Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku as Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, and Cole Palmer left the club.
Though January was normally quiet at the Etihad Stadium, with the sole notable transaction being Kalvin Phillips’ loan move to West Ham, the Premier League winners are apparently planning two mega summer moves.
According to The Athletic, City could try to recruit Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich.
City officials are great fans of Kimmich, especially since Guardiola worked with the German midfielder during his three-year tenure at Bayern.
“Although City sources played down the idea of a move for Kimmich in January,” writes The Athletic’s City Correspondent Sam Lee. “The Athletic understands a summer move is a different matter.”
When Guardiola was linked with a return to Bayern in 2019/20, Kimmich stated that he would love to work with the Spaniard again.
Guardiola has avoided raiding his old teams for players throughout his managerial career, however this is not impossible if the player wishes to depart.
Lionel Messi came extremely close to joining City in 2020 after stating his want to quit Barcelona, and the same might happen if Kimmich informs Bayern that he wishes to depart.
City would also consider signing Musiala, a 20-year-old offensive midfielder who has yet to extend his contract with Bayern Munich beyond the current expiration date of 2026.
According to The Athletic, Guardiola and City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, are prioritising other areas for strengthening.
Kimmich’s current deal will expire next season, and his versatility as a right-back and holding midfielder makes him an enticing option for Guardiola.
