Soccer: Luis Suarez, Neymar Moving to Manchester City?
Incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is already mapping out big plans for his new club, as reports revealed that he is eying FC Barcelona superstars Luis Suarez and Neymar.
According to Mirror, Guardiola, who will take over after the 2015-16 season, has Suarez on top of his wish list, as he is determined to turn Manchester City into a deeper team once he replaces outgoing manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Suarez, who has netted 20 goals and six assists in 21 Spanish La Liga appearances, said last month that he is happy at Camp Nou. And if he returns to the Premier League, he will only join Liverpool, where he played from 2011 to 2014.
"You never know what might happen in the future, but if I were to return to England it would only be to play for Liverpool and never for another team," Suarez said, via Mirror. "I've missed the fans. The atmosphere is incredible."
However, the Mirror report indicated that Manchester City are convinced that Suarez could eventually decide to move to Etihad Stadium because of Guardiola's link to the Uruguay international. Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere, is the agent of Suarez, which makes Manchester City believe that Suarez will be available for the right price.
Meanwhile, a separate report from the Mirror also indicated that Neymar could also join Guardiola at Etihad Stadium. Manchester City will have to shed £145 million to acquire Neymar. But despite the hefty buy-out fee, former Barcelona star Ronaldinho believes Manchester City are in a good position to acquire the Brazilian talisman.
"Neymar has already stated his desire to play for Pep," Ronaldinho said. "That was a big statement with most people knowing that Pep would be joining Manchester City in the summer. We know they can pay wages that no other club in Europe has the power to do."
Neymar, who has been playing well alongside Suarez and Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, is also being linked to a possible transfer to Manchester United and Real Madrid. Ronaldinho does not think his fellow Brazilian will consider moving Real Madrid. If he will have it his way, Ronaldinho said that Neymar should just stay at Camp Nou if the rumored transfer to Manchester City will not materialize.
"There has been a lot of talk about Neymar's future recently, but I believe rumors of a move to Real Madrid are false," Ronaldinho added. "I will advise him to stay at Barcelona for at least a few more years, but if he wants City and they want him, we know they have the power to make it happen."
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