Barcelona legend is Man City’s best weapon in pursuing star
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Having snared one of the world’s most revered managers, potential Champions League winners Manchester City will be hoping some of his best work is completed before the 2016/17 season even begins.
Pep Guardiola’s glittering CV and past glories at Barcelona in particular will come in very handy where City’s transfer dealings are concerned.
The latest hot gossip suggests the Etihad outfit will harness Guardiola’s influence at former club Barca to assist negotiations on a teenage sensation earmarked for stardom.
La Masia’s production line has always been among the most envied in world football, and 16-year-old Abel Ruiz is the latest Barca protégé hoping to follow in the footsteps of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta and one Lionel Messi.
If Man City get their wish then the launch point for Ruiz’s career will be the Etihad rather than the Nou Camp however.
The two-time Premier League champions hope Guardiola’s presence will prove pivotal in dissuading Ruiz from graduating to the first-team ranks currently flush with a succession of Balon d’Or candidates.
With Arsenal and Chelsea also reportedly making little headway after contacting the young forward’s representatives, the Citizens will hope to capitalise.
Barcelona are yet to get Ruiz to sign a permanent deal and inflated wages on offer in the Premier League are certainly a factor on the English club’s side.
Manuel Pellegrini’s replacement will be tasked with recruiting the Barcelona B player as well as many other top targets this summer and given the club’s ownership structure, money is unlikely to be an object.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
