Pep Guardiola wants Barcelona target signed by Manchester City as Rodri replacement - Reports
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Joshua Kimmich, who is also wanted at Barcelona, as the ideal replacement for Rodri, according to The Sun. The German midfielder's contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Kimmich has registered 42 goals and 109 assists from 413 games for the Bavarians so far. Even though the player has played every minute of every game under Vincent Kompany this season, he looks set to enter the final year of his contract in January.
Manchester City and Barcelona are both keeping a close eye on the situation. The Premier League champions want to rope in an able replacement for Rodri, who is out for the campaign after picking up an ACL injury in September.
The Cityzens have suffered in his absence, and have just one win in their last 10 games. Manchester City now want to sign Kimmich at the turn of the year to address the situation.
However, Barcelona also have their eyes on the 29-year-old. The Catalans are yet to properly replace Sergio Busquets, who left the club in the summer of 2023.
While Marc Casado has shown great promise, the LaLiga giants want someone like Kimmich for the job. The report adds that the player is likely to cost £10m in January. Interestingly, Guardiola brought the German midfielder to the Allianz Arena in 2015, while Joshua Kimmich also achieved great success under Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich.
Are Manchester City and Barcelona battling for LaLiga star?
Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly set to lock horns for the signature of Nico Williams in 2025, according to Fichajes.net. The Catalans have had their eyes on the Spaniard for a while and were keen to sign him this summer.
The 22-year-old helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last season and was key in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph this year. However, Barcelona failed to prise him away and the player ended up staying at the San Mames.
While Raphinha has been outstanding in the left-forward role, the Catalans have apparently retained their interest in Williams. They are likely to move for the player once again at the end of this season, but will face competition from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola has apparently identified his countryman as the ideal candidate to strengthen the attack. The Cityzens also have the financial muscle to win this race.