- 11 hours ago
Barcelona plan Man City raid: Guardiola and two stars targeted
Robin Bairner
- 13 Feb 2023 12:07 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona are lining up a trio of key figures at Manchester City, with the Catalan club anticipating the fallout from the Financial Fair Play scandal that has hit the Etihad outfit.
City face more than 100 charges levelled against them by the Premier League, with the possible punishments, if they are found guilty by a commission, ranging from a fine through to a points deductions or even possible expulsion from the Premier League.
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Barca are monitoring the situation in England, which could open up some interesting possibilities.
Indeed, Fichajes reports they will target three stars if City receive a harsh punishment.
MORE: Barcelona target open to Premier League offers amid Xavi doubts
Pep Guardiola
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has already pledged to leave the club should his employers be found guilty, which means that it is theoretically possible that he becomes a free agent. Xavi may be performing solid service in the Barca dugout, but fans of the club still hold Guardiola in huge affection following the work he did to lead them into a golden era 15 years ago.
Barcelona are going through a transition phase in their midfield, where Sergio Busquets could depart at the end of the season. He might also sign a short contract extension to see him tied to the club until 2024. Barca see similar qualities in Rodri and would make a play for him if the worst happens to Man City.
The striker has exploded over the course of the last six months, shining for both City and Argentina, who he helped to win the World Cup at Qatar 2022. Alvarez, for the moment, finds himself behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order with little prospect of taking the Norway international’s place.
Are these deals likely?
This report is highly speculative and leans on City being heavily punished. In reality, if they are punished, it is likely to be some months – possibly even years – before their fate is revealed.
Contemplating which individuals Barcelona could target as a result of this appears to be premature. Nevertheless, the Catalans may well like and appreciate these players.
Guardiola is likelier to return at some point, but with Barca top of La Liga, there is no prospect of Xavi going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
