Manchester City are reportedly targeting Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Joao Neves as a major signing for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Spanish source Fichajes.net. Manager Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his squad in preparation for next season and has already begun identifying potential recruits.
Neves has caught the attention of several elite European clubs due to his tactical intelligence, versatility, and calmness under pressure, with Manchester City emerging as one of the leading contenders for his signature. Guardiola sees the Portuguese midfielder as a vital addition, particularly in light of the anticipated departures of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. The 20-year-old is regarded as a valuable asset capable of bringing much-needed stability to the midfield, especially given the absence of Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Since his move from Benfica to PSG in the summer of 2024 for an estimated fee of €60 million, Neves has made a significant impact. He has featured in 36 matches across all competitions, contributing four goals and nine assists. Additionally, his adaptability has been on display, as he has occasionally been deployed as a full-back under the management of Luis Enrique.
However, signing Neves will not be straightforward for the reigning Premier League champions. PSG are determined to retain their prized midfielder unless they receive a substantial offer that meets their valuation. This potential transfer saga is expected to be a key storyline in the upcoming summer window.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City must improve if they are to secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. His comments came in the wake of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, March 8. Playing away at the City Ground, City suffered their ninth league defeat of the season—their highest since the 2019-20 campaign—following an 83rd-minute goal by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola expressed his frustration and emphasized the need for his team to regain consistency. As quoted by The National, he said:
> “We have to win matches. We’re not stringing together enough victories to feel secure. With 10 games left, we need to pick up a lot of points to qualify. That’s the reality. We must improve our performances—success doesn’t just happen, we have to work for it.”
Guardiola also highlighted the importance of the upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion on March 15 as an opportunity to bounce back. He stated:
> “It starts with Brighton next Saturday, then we’ll reassess after the international break.”
Currently, Manchester City are fourth in the Premier League standings, having accumulated 47 points from 28 matches. With just 10 games remaining, Guardiola’s side faces a challenging path to secure a Champions League spot, making every point crucial in the final stretch of the season.
