Manchester City are reportedly in critical talks with several of their “star players” as they work to thin out Pep Guardiola’s bloated squad.
Manchester City were eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup last week after a surprising 4-3 loss in extra time against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
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Guardiola and his 27-man squad that travelled to the United States have now switched to holiday mode and have been given a month’s rest period before returning to training ahead of the new season.
A new era has begun at the Etihad Stadium, with new sporting director Hugo Viana at the head of the recruitment efforts. They have already been busy reshaping Manchester City’s. “Viana is working closely with manager Pep Guardiola so that absolutely everything that can be done to ensure an optimal season is done. And it should not be about money…
After spending around £180 million on four new players in January – Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – Manchester City have spent over £100 million this summer on four new players: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli.
Manchester City are likely to strengthen their squad further this summer, but new reinforcements could depend on a number of expected departures.
According to the Daily Mail, Man City are set to hold talks with several high-profile stars in the coming weeks as they try to get rid of “a significant number” before the end of August.
When asked about the composition of the squad after the Club World Cup exit, Guardiola told reporters:
“We have a big squad and we will see what happens. It’s hard. I have no idea (who will disappear) – we’ll see together with the club. We will also talk to the players. But we will rest, come back in a few days and start the Premier League season. The season will be long, and a lot can happen. That is the reality. It’s a very good squad, but I’m disappointed for a lot of players we would have liked to have let play, but it wasn’t possible.”
A high-profile player who is seemingly redundant at Man City is Jack Grealish. He was left out of the Club World Cup squad and has fallen down the hierarchy under Guardiola, with only seven Premier League appearances from the start last year.
Guardiola has not ruled out that the 29-year-old could stay, but has suggested that the ideal solution would be for him to get regular game time elsewhere.
Kyle Walker is also expected to leave, but a return to AC Milan is out of the question, as they have already said goodbye to the 34-year-old after his brief loan spell at the San Siro.
Goalkeeper Ederson and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who will turn 35 in October, have both expressed a desire to stay at Man City. Nevertheless, they are linked with a possible departure, with the Saudi Pro League and Galatasaray interested, respectively.
John Stones also wants to stay, but the injury-prone defender – who has not played for City since February – could leave if there are suitable bids. The same goes for his teammate Nathan Ake (30).
Kalvin Phillips is another player who is expected to leave Man City, but his situation is complicated after he underwent Achilles tendon surgery at the end of May.
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At the same time, there are two players Manchester City want to tie to new long-term contracts: centre-back Ruben Dias and right-back Rico Lewis, whose current deals expire in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
