Pep Guardiola is already preparing for life after Bernardo Silva at Manchester City, with the Portuguese midfielder expected to leave at the end of the season. After years as a key figure in Guardiola’s system, Silva’s influence has declined, with just 3 goals and 5 assists in 44 appearances. The club has therefore started planning a new attacking option capable of fitting into its demanding style of play.
The main target has emerged from Germany, where a young talent has caught the attention of the City manager. In the middle of this growing interest, Ibrahim Maza has become a priority after an impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder recorded 5 goals and 6 assists in 37 matches, while also standing out with Algeria during AFCON 2025. His rapid rise and technical profile have convinced Guardiola that he could be the ideal successor.
Despite strong competition, Manchester City appears to have an advantage thanks to its relationship with the player’s agency, which previously facilitated the arrival of Omar Marmoush. With a contract running until 2028 and a rising market value already exceeding €40 million, Maza could soon take a major step in his career. If the move materializes, Guardiola would once again strengthen his squad with Algerian talent, following in the footsteps of Riyad Mahrez, as the club prepares for a new era beyond Bernardo Silva.