Man City plot £87m raid on top European club and identify two players for Pep Guardiola’s rebuild

As the 2024/25 season nears its conclusion, Manchester City are already preparing for a significant summer overhaul. According to reports, the Premier League giants are eyeing a high-profile double swoop worth around £87 million, targeting two standout players from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan. This bold move is part of manager Pep Guardiola’s long-term plan to refresh and rebuild his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

City, who have set incredibly high standards under Guardiola’s leadership since 2016, have found this season tougher than most. While still in contention for silverware—particularly in the FA Cup where they are set to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final—City have underperformed in the league by their own lofty expectations. Champions League qualification is not yet secure, and Guardiola is reportedly determined to ensure his squad is fully equipped to reclaim domestic and European dominance next season.

Manchester City are no strangers to success, having lifted numerous trophies during Guardiola’s tenure, including five Premier League titles. However, this season has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and underwhelming performances. With Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Aston Villa threatening their top-four status, the reigning champions are under pressure to finish strong.

Their struggles have highlighted the need for fresh legs and renewed energy in several positions. Kevin De Bruyne, once the talisman of the team, is expected to leave the club when his contract expires in June. While the Belgian maestro has provided many unforgettable moments, injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons. Similarly, uncertainty surrounds the future of right-back Kyle Walker, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, and veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract situation remains unresolved.

Despite their troubles, City were active in the January transfer window. They secured the signatures of Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez, signaling Guardiola’s intent to inject new talent into the side. These signings, though promising, were not marquee names, and it appears the Spaniard is now setting his sights on more established talents to elevate his squad.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester City are preparing to open negotiations with AC Milan for two of the Italian club’s key players—left-back Theo Hernandez and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The combined deal could cost City around £87 million, with Milan reportedly valuing Reijnders at £61 million and Hernandez at £26 million.

Hernandez, 27, is widely considered one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe. His pace, strength, and ability to contribute to both defensive and offensive phases make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s tactical system. Reijnders, 26, is a technically gifted and versatile midfielder capable of playing in several roles across the middle of the pitch. His energy, passing range, and intelligence could help City cope with the impending loss of De Bruyne and potentially Gundogan.

AC Milan, one of Italy’s most historic clubs, have endured a difficult season themselves. Currently sitting ninth in Serie A, they face a real possibility of missing out on Champions League football next season—a financial and sporting blow that could force them to sell key players to balance their books.

This situation places Manchester City in a strong bargaining position. With their significant financial muscle and clear ambition to remain among Europe’s elite, City could capitalize on Milan’s vulnerability and strike a deal for two top-class players who could walk straight into their starting eleven.

Another factor working in City’s favor is the contractual situation of the two targets. While Reijnders is under contract with Milan until 2030, meaning the Rossoneri can demand a premium fee, Hernandez’s deal is set to expire in 2026. This gives the Italian side some urgency to either renew or sell Hernandez soon, lest they risk losing him for a reduced fee next summer.

Despite his longer contract, Reijnders could still be open to a move to a more competitive and ambitious club. Having made a name for himself in Italy, a step up to the Premier League and a chance to work under Guardiola might be too enticing to refuse.

During a recent press conference held on Friday, April 11, Pep Guardiola was asked about Manchester City’s summer transfer plans. The 54-year-old tactician gave a typically measured response, saying:

“I don’t know what will happen. Of course, the club is working but we won’t have 45 players in the squad, it’s not sustainable for the emotion of the team. Except Kevin [De Bruyne], they all have a contract and we will see how they behave and how we are. We’re going to see.”

His comments suggest that while City will look to strengthen, they will also be mindful of maintaining squad harmony and managing player expectations. Guardiola has always emphasized the importance of team chemistry and mental balance, especially when working with a group full of world-class talents.

Guardiola’s rebuild is not just about adding names to the squad. It’s about evolving the team’s playing style, phasing out aging stars, and laying the foundation for continued success in the post-De Bruyne era. The Spaniard is known for reinventing his squads every few seasons, and with several core players either aging or nearing contract ends, the timing is right for a fresh injection of quality.

The potential arrivals of Reijnders and Hernandez signal a clear intent to future-proof the team. Both players are in their prime and have the kind of physical and tactical attributes that fit Guardiola’s high-intensity, possession-based football.

The links to Reijnders and Hernandez are just part of a broader picture emerging around Manchester City’s summer business. Reports suggest that City may be preparing for a significant summer window, with other targets also on the radar.

For instance, some outlets have claimed City could launch a mammoth £170 million bid for two more players from another top European club. There’s also ongoing speculation regarding a £125 million move for a superstar attacker—though Guardiola allegedly views him as a second-choice option behind his preferred target.

Meanwhile, the future of players like Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips may also shape the club’s transfer activity. While Silva has consistently been linked with a move away, Grealish has had a stop-start season with injury setbacks and inconsistent form. Phillips, who has struggled for game time since arriving from Leeds United, could also be moved on to make room for incoming talent.

If Tijjani Reijnders does make the move to the Etihad, he could slot into a variety of roles in City’s midfield setup. With De Bruyne departing and Gundogan potentially following, Reijnders could partner Rodri in a deeper role or be deployed in a more advanced playmaking position. His ability to break lines with dribbles and passes would make him an asset, especially in games where City dominate possession.

Reijnders’ versatility also allows Guardiola the tactical flexibility he cherishes. Whether in a double pivot, as an advanced eight, or even in a false full-back role—a position that has become a hallmark of Guardiola’s tactical tweaks—Reijnders offers options.

Manchester City’s defense has evolved over the past few years, with players like Nathan Aké, Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji playing key roles. However, the left-back position has been a bit of a revolving door, with no one truly making the spot their own since Benjamin Mendy’s departure.

Theo Hernandez, with his mix of defensive solidity and explosive attacking runs, could finally provide a long-term solution. His ability to overlap and stretch the pitch would add a new dimension to City’s attacking play, especially against teams that sit deep. Given Guardiola’s past success with attacking full-backs like Dani Alves and Joao Cancelo, Hernandez seems like a natural fit.

The upcoming summer transfer window could mark the beginning of a new era at Manchester City. With club legends like De Bruyne on the way out and fresh blood potentially coming in, Guardiola is clearly planning for the future.

The reported £87 million move for Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders shows that City remain ambitious and are willing to invest heavily to maintain their position at the top. If the deals go through, both players could become key figures in Guardiola’s next great team.

But as always in football, nothing is guaranteed until the deals are done. What is certain, however, is that Manchester City are preparing for change—and the rest of the Premier League should take notice.