Guardiola asks Perez: Manchester City wants to swap De Bruyne for Madrid player

Last summer, Manchester City successfully kept hold of their star player, Kevin De Bruyne, despite rumors suggesting a possible departure. However, the 33-year-old Belgian is now believed to be nearing the end of his time with the club, with all signs pointing to a move to the United States in 2025 as he enters the final phase of his career.

The potential loss of De Bruyne would be a significant setback for Pep Guardiola, who has already begun searching for a suitable replacement. It appears that Guardiola has set his sights on a player from Real Madrid to take over in midfield.

According to *El Nacional*, Guardiola’s primary target is Jude Bellingham, the standout Real Madrid player, as De Bruyne’s successor at Manchester City. Bellingham is seen as an “impossible dream” for City, especially as the player has made it clear he has no plans to leave the Santiago Bernabéu anytime soon. However, Manchester City may still explore the possibility of signing him if the right conditions arise.

Guardiola has developed a keen interest in Real Madrid in recent seasons, particularly after the club eliminated City from the Champions League twice in three years. Furthermore, Real Madrid has thwarted City’s transfer ambitions, as seen when Bellingham chose the Bernabéu over a more lucrative offer from the Premier League club.

Guardiola also pursued Rodrygo last summer, with the Brazilian forward appearing open to a move to Manchester City, only for talks to break down, causing Guardiola to abandon the pursuit.

The report concludes that Guardiola made an audacious offer to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, proposing a swap deal of Kevin De Bruyne for Bellingham, along with a financial sum. However, Pérez reportedly rejected the offer, leaving Guardiola surprised by the decision.