Pep Guardiola Is Pushing Manchester City For €50 Million Rated Midfielder: Will He Be A Good Signing? | OneFootball

For weeks now, the transfer market has been buzzing with more noise than certainty. The big clubs are already sounding out names, profiles and strategies to strengthen their squads. Amid rumours and leaks, Manchester City are once again in the spotlight. Pep Guardiola wants to leave nothing to chance and is looking to strengthen his midfield, a vital area for his style of play.

In this situation, a name has emerged that, until recently, was not on the radar of the elite. Sergi Altimira, a 23-year-old midfielder from Real Betis, has burst onto the Catalan coach’s agenda and could be one of the most unexpected signings of the summer.

Pep Guardiola Is Pushing Manchester City For Sergi Altimira

According to Fichajes.net, Guardiola has asked the Citizens’ board to finalise the signing of Altimira, whom he considers a priority. The midfielder, who joined Betis in 2023, has managed to establish himself after a difficult first year. In the 2024/25 season, he played 53 games and clocked over 3,100 minutes on the pitch, also contributing directly to three goals. His release clause is €50 million, and the Andalusian club are unwilling to negotiate a lower price. Even so, City are exploring options to try to reduce the transfer cost.

VALENCIA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 23: Sergi Altimira of Real Betis is challenged by Diego Lopez of Valencia CF during the LaLiga match between Valencia CF and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Mestalla on November 23, 2024 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Will He Be A Good Signing?

Guardiola’s interest is no coincidence. Altimira is a central midfielder who possesses the traits such as physicality, vision and the ability to control the tempo of the game. He has the profile that the coach values: good ball control, tactical awareness and uncompromising intensity. In a system where Rodri needs support and where the midfielders require intelligence rather than just sheer quality, the Betis player could bring balance and freshness.

The Spaniard does not need to be in the spotlight to perform. He understands space and knows how to time his runs. That is gold for Guardiola, who looks for players who think before receiving the ball. Altimira would not only fit into the system, but would also raise the level of depth in the squad, which is essential in a demanding calendar.

However, can the deal be closed? Betis hold the upper hand. His contract runs until 2029 and there is no urgency to sell. If City do not pay the £50 million, there will be no room for manoeuvre. But if Guardiola’s desire outweighs economic logic, the English club could make the effort. And perhaps, from another perspective, one might wonder whether it would be better for Altimira to stay in Seville for another year, continue to grow with playing time and not stagnate in a team where rotation is fierce. Quality does not always need to be rushed.