Man City could possess two hidden weapons in their pursuit of a £51 million summer signing

Manchester City is currently seeking reinforcements this summer, and the conclusion of Euro 2024 may induce an increase in activity.

Manchester City is consistently in pursuit of the most promising prospects in the transfer market, while also ensuring that the club receives the most favourable value.

While this does not necessarily imply that they will exclusively pursue bargains, such as Stefan Ortega or Manu Akanji, they are consistently monitoring the equilibrium between the value of a player who is prepared to contribute to their first team and the value they are worth. Josko Gvardiol was a player who was hailed as a star for the next decade, and his signing was justified by a stellar debut season, despite the fact that he cost a staggering £77m.

The acquisition of Jack Grealish for £100 million was partially mitigated by £60 million in sales that summer, while Jeremy Doku’s acquisition for £55 million is improving with each performance. Matheus Nunes and other acquisitions are experiencing delayed returns; however, City consistently executes their strategies effectively.

They are also aware of when to withdraw from transactions, even if it results in a loss. This stance has earned them a solid reputation as harsh talkers in the transfer market. A club that does not resort to deception and will not be coerced into paying an exorbitant price for a player.

This summer may prove to be more challenging in terms of achieving that equilibrium. Clubs will be aware that they are in a more advantageous position if they retain a player that City is interested in signing, as there is a reduced amount of money available for expenditures.

Therefore, it may be more advantageous to implement the established transfer market strategy of activating players’ release clauses this summer, as opposed to engaging in protracted negotiations that have a diminished likelihood of achieving the desired result.

One name that has not moved far from City’s transfer gossip columns this summer is Spain’s Dani Olmo, who is presently the leader in the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race. He has previously been associated with City and has demonstrated his abilities against them. Significantly, it is reported that he possesses a £51 million release clause.

In the event that City were to activate that, it would satisfy their requirements, as it is expected to expire in the upcoming week. A quality attacking midfielder with a wealth of experience who is evidently at ease expressing himself on a grand scale. While his injury record poses a question mark, his statistics and style do not, and there are few City fans who would object to Olmo’s arrival at the Etihad.

If necessary, City would also have a few options to assist them in negotiations with RB Leipzig, Olmo’s club. Rodri, a City midfielder, has been accompanied by Olmo to the Euros this month, and the two have established a promising partnership in the midfield.

The allure of playing alongside Rodri three times a week could potentially enhance City’s prospects if Olmo is indeed a target, as he regularly reminds everyone of his status as the best in the world in his position. Aymeric Laporte, a stalwart for Spain, may also be present to offer a few complimentary remarks about City.

Then there is the hierarchy at RB Leipzig. Last summer, City engaged with the German club in the pursuit of signing Gvardiol, and they have encountered them in the Champions League for the past three years. Max Eberl, the Sporting Director, was a pivotal figure in the Gvardiol transfer saga last year. He frequently addressed the media to provide updates on City’s initial interest and to bolster his team’s argument.

Eberl departed the Red Bull Arena shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 transfer window, but Rouven Shroeder succeeded him. Shroeder may provide a distinct perspective on the organization’s transfer strategy. Shroeder is also a long-standing acquaintance and colleague of Thomas Krucken, the Academy Director of City, who was appointed last year.

Krucken expressed his adoration for Shroeder to MEN Sport last season and was personally selected by the current Leipzig man to oversee the Mainz academy. City can obtain information regarding Shroder’s operations by conducting a tour of the CFA and consulting Krucken.

The narrative that City desires Olmo is being promoted by reports in Spain, but this fact has not yet been confirmed in Manchester. However, anyone who has observed his performances in the Euros cannot help but be impressed. If City were to consider him, they would anticipate a slightly simpler negotiation with Leipzig than the one that occurred last year for Gvardiol.