With Manchester City having confirmed that Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola will take the managerial reins from Manuel Pellegrini at the club this summer, the Citizens will inevitably be linked to a whole host of the Spaniard’s former players.
Such was the case for Manuel Pellegrini when he was linked with a move to reunite with Isco at the Etihad, whilst he did actually bring in two of his former players in the form of Willy Caballero and Martin Demichelis.
However, with City’s financial power and desire to fully compete on a European stage, the Manchester outfit will also be an interesting possibility for any player.
In fact, the imminent arrival of one of the world’s top managers may be a huge selling point for most of the top players in world football.
In this article, we will be looking at 6 players who could be inspired to move to City now that Pep Guardiola has been announced.
Hit Guardiola below to see SIX players he could bring to Man City!
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John Stones
Our landlord has been speaking to the City fans over by the bar and has understood that City’s weakest position is probably at centre back, despite the millions of pounds that they have spent in their attempts to create a resolute defence.
One player who has been linked with a move to the Etihad is Everton’s John Stones.
Recent reports indicate that the centre back is considered to be a serious target for City, who would have to shell out some £50 million for the Englishman.
However, our landlord believes that his homegrown status, raw potential and competence at right-back may make the 21-year old an attractive long-term option.
Aymeric Laporte
Another young centre back who has caught the eye of some of the punters over by the fruit machines is Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte.
The 21-year old is widely regarded to be one of the world’s best young centre backs here in the Tavern and the Frenchman is already being courted by Spanish giants and Guardiola’s former club Barcelona, amongst others.
However, with Guardiola set to be handed over £150 million to splash in the summer, City may be willing to activate Laporte’s £36.5 million buyout clause in order to land his services.
Ross Barkley
Another Everton player who could be set to swap Merseyside Blue for Manchester Blue is midfielder Ross Barkley.
Current City powerhouse Yaya Toure is expected to depart the club in the summer, with former manager Guardiola not having a good working relationship with the 32-year old.
And City may look to sign England international Barkley, who is a similar player to Toure with his physical presence and shooting ability.
However, they may be forced to pay over the odds to acquire the 22-year old, with Everton believed to value him at around £50 million.
Aaron Ramsey
Another Premier League midfielder who has recently been linked with a move to City is Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsey, which initially caused some raised voices over by the bar.
The 25-year old is said to be on Guardiola’s radar and City are weighing up a potential move for the Gunners player.
Welshman Ramsey is capable of playing in a central position, as well as out wide, and could be a useful addition to the City squad.
City are no strangers to purchasing from Arsenal, with the Blues having signed Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure from the Emirates outfit in recent years.
Paul Pogba
Having been linked with a return to the Premier League for the past few transfer windows, this summer could finally see the Juventus powerhouse move to City following the announcement of Guardiola.
Valued at around £70 million by the Serie A outfit, the Frenchman is renowned for his long shots and technical ability, and appears to be the natural heir to Yaya Toure.
The 22-year old would be another long term signing for the Blues, and would surely win over the City contingent here in the Tavern and become a mainstay in Guardiola’s side immediately.
Neymar
Perhaps the most unlikely player to transfer to City of the ones selected, Brazilian star Neymar was recently nominated in the final 3 of the prestigious Ballon D’Or award and is heavily tipped to win it in the future.
The 23-year old Barcelona star recently admitted that he would like to play under Guardiola at some point in his career and our resident City fans will be hoping that they will be able to witness his magic at the Etihad as early as next season.
