Laporta wants Guardiola back at Barcelona, Spanish manager unlikely to leave Man City

Josep Pep Guardiola-Lionel Messi-Xavi-FC Barcelona
Josep Pep Guardiola-Lionel Messi-Xavi-FC Barcelona | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Barca president Joan Laporta wants Guardiola to return to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has handpicked Pep Guardiola to replace current manager Ronald Koeman from next season.

The Catalan club are understood to be in search of a new manager as they are planning for a life without Koeman, who slumped in La Liga and Champions League in what turned out as a lacklustre debut season.

Although there are many names on the wishlist, Laporta sees Manchester City’s Guardiola as the ideal option to bring the Blaugrana to their heyday.

Julian Nagelsmann was rumoured to be Laporta’s dream at the beginning, but he ended up signing for Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig.

Former Barca midfielder and current Al Sadd coach Xavi is another name recommended for the job, but Laporta appears to have second thoughts in appointing him.

Guardiola has now emerged as the top target for Laporta, who is planning a major overhaul this summer to restore Barca to his best.

The Spanish manager recently led Citizens to Carabao Cup and Premier League title and is now one win away from securing a treble as Man City are set to face Chelsea in the Champions League finals this weekend.

Laporta and Guardiola share a great bond; as it was during the former’s early tenure, the latter broke into the limelight and led the Catalans to an unprecedented amount of success.

Although the Blaugrana president wants Guardiola back, the Spanish manager reportedly sees his future at City, with whom he has a contract until 2024.

Furthermore, the 50-year-old is planning to work together with the City board for summer signings.

Koeman’s chances of survival are bleak as the Dutchman would only continue if Blaugrana don’t find a replacement this summer.