Manchester City ready to include 25-year-old star in swap deal to sign €80m-rated Barcelona superstar - Reports
Manchester City are reportedly contemplating a swap deal for Barcelona midfielder Pedri, with Matheus Nunes being planned to be sent the other way. Once considered untouchable, that's seemingly no longer the case for the Spaniard now under new boss Hansi Flick.
In 143 games across competitions since his first-team debut in the 2020-21 season, the 21-year-old has contributed 20 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona. However, he has also missed a lot of games due to injury.
Last season, the Spaniard registered four goals and five assists in 34 outings across competitions. However, Pedri has been out injured since the Euro 2024 quarter-final win over hosts Germany.
Nevertheless, the Euro 2024 winner's stock remains high, and City - as per El Nacional - are ready to include Nunes in a swap deal to snap up the €80 million-rated Pedri. The inclusion of Nunez - who is valued at €50 million (as per Transfermarkt) and is contracted with the Etihad till 2028 - would bring down City's total outflow in a potential Pedri deal.
The 25-year-old - who played the FA Community Shield win on penalties over Manchester United on Saturday (August 10) - is seemingly surplus to requirements at the Etihad, having contributed five assists in 30 games across competitions.
What's next for Manchester City and Barcelona?
Manchester City are off to a fine start to the season, beating their cross-town rivals Manchester United 7-6 on penalties at the Wembley Stadium in London last weekend to win the FA Community Shield.
Alejandro Garnacho's 82nd-minute opener was cancelled out by Bernardo Silva (89') before City recovered from 3-1 down in the ensuing shootout to prevail 7-6, snapping a three-game Community Shield losing streak.
Pep Guardiola's side now turn their attention to a potentially tricky Premier League opener at Chelsea on Sunday (August 18). On their last visit to Stamford Bridge in February, the reigning four-time champions thrice squandered their lead in a thrilling 4-4 draw.
The Cityzens are looking to create more Premier League history, having won an unprecedented four-peat last season, marking their sixth league success in seven years, all under Guardiola, who arrived in the summer of 2016.
Meanwhile, Barcelona open their new La Liga campaign at Valencia on Saturday (August 17) as the Hansi Flick era gets underway. The former Bayern Munich boss has arrived at the Camp Nou helm to succeed the legendary Xavi, who left at the end of a trophyless 2023-24 campaign.