Manchester City fans have been holding their breath as rumors of Pep Guardiola’s potential departure swirl, but the latest reports suggest the club is preparing a financial masterstroke to keep him in the dugout. With Guardiola’s contract currently set to expire in 2027, City's hierarchy is reportedly moving to secure two "spectacular" signings designed to convince the Catalan genius that his project in Manchester is far from finished.
The move isn't just about squad depth; it’s a tactical strike aimed directly at the hearts of their biggest rivals, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Targets: Anderson and Kayode?
According to emerging reports from TEAMtalk and The i Paper, the "double signing" strategy focuses on elite Premier League talent that rivals have spent months scouting.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest): The versatile midfielder has become a top priority for Manchester United. By swooping in for the Forest star, City wouldn't just be securing one of the league's most exciting young engines; they’d be snatching him right out from under the Red Devils’ noses.
Michael Kayode (Brentford): With City looking to solidify the right-back position following the departure of Kyle Walker, Brentford’s Kayode has emerged as a primary target. Liverpool has also been linked with defensive reinforcements, making this a high-stakes race for one of the most promising full-backs in the country.Why This Could Sway Pep
The message from the Etihad board is clear: the rebuild is happening now. By bringing in players like Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo during the January window, and now eyeing Anderson and Kayode, City is proving they are willing to outspend and outmaneuver anyone to provide Guardiola with a "2.0" version of his championship-winning squad.
Guardiola has recently voiced frustration regarding the club's net spend compared to rivals, jokingly stating he wants to be "number one" in investment. This double-raid appears to be the board’s direct response to those demands.
Haunting the Rivals
For Liverpool and Manchester United, this news is a double blow. Not only would they lose out on primary transfer targets, but the prospect of a refreshed, high-spending Guardiola staying until 2027 (or beyond) would extend City’s era of dominance—an era many rivals hoped was nearing its end.