Pep Guardiola is preparing for a major squad overhaul at Manchester City, with as many as eight first-team stars potentially leaving as the club plans a summer rebuild.
City’s season has been underwhelming, and their hopes of retaining the Premier League title have long faded. Their latest blow came in the Champions League, where a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid ended their European campaign.
Now sitting 17 points behind leaders Liverpool, City’s focus is shifting to securing a top-four finish and maintaining their place in next season’s Champions League.
Despite spending £180 million in January, City is ready to splash more cash in the summer. To fund their transfer plans, Guardiola is willing to part ways with several senior players.
Kyle Walker has already left on loan to AC Milan and is expected to make his exit permanent.
Other veteran players over 30, including Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and goalkeeper Ederson who was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia are also at risk.
Injuries have plagued John Stones, making his future uncertain, while Ilkay Gundogan’s return from Barcelona has not met expectations, putting his place in the squad in jeopardy. The most surprising potential departure is Kevin De Bruyne.
A key figure in Guardiola’s midfield over the years, the Belgian has struggled with fitness issues and has just four months left on his contract. His exit could pave the way for a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, a player Guardiola admires.
Jack Grealish is another high-profile name facing scrutiny. Signed for £100m in 2021, he has failed to justify his price tag, with no league goals this season and limited playing time.
As City targets reinforcements, they are expected to renew their pursuit of Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso and finalize a deal for promising Valladolid defender Juma Bah.
With a busy summer ahead, Guardiola is ready to reshape his squad in pursuit of future success.