New Delhi: Manchester City are reportedly preparing for a major squad shake-up this summer, with as many as eight first-team players set to leave if suitable offers arrive. Pep Guardiola, who has led City to unprecedented success in recent years, is looking to revamp his squad to reclaim their dominance both domestically and in Europe. According to reports from The Mirror, key names such as star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, who only returned to the club last summer, are among those who could be on their way out.
City were seemingly content with not making a splash in last summer’s transfer window and paid the price for it heavily and find themselves virtually out of the title race and are completely out of Europe. The club are now pushing for a top four spot and tried to rectify their squad with four huge signings in the January window with the likes of Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez coming.
Pep Guardiola’s side has an aging core and concerns over long-term squad balance have prompted discussions of a summer rebuild. The club is willing to listen to offers for multiple high-profile players as they look to refresh the squad and bring in new talent. De Bruyne, who will turn 34 by the time next season starts, remains one of City’s most influential figures, but his persistent injury issues and high wages make his future uncertain.
The Belgian playmaker has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, where clubs are prepared to offer him a record-breaking contract while also being high on the radar of new MLS side San Diego FC. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, who joined for a British record fee of £100m in 2021, has struggled with consistency and injuries, leading to speculation that City may cash in on him while they can still recoup a significant portion of their investment.
The outgoings will free space for summer incomings
🚨 Manchester City are preparing to sell eight first-team players if they receive suitable offers – Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson and Kyle Walker.
(Source: Mirror) pic.twitter.com/kZ1ivFz8EM
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 22, 2025
Bernardo Silva is another name on the list of potential departures, with the Portuguese midfielder having flirted with moves away from the Etihad for several summers. A move to Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain has been long rumored, and this could finally be the window where he secures an exit. Defensively, John Stones and Kyle Walker could also be moved on permanently given both are on the other side of their 30s.
Stones has suffered from multiple injury setbacks, and has recently been ruled out with a thigh injury which might require surgery while Walker is approaching the final years of his career and will move on permanently once his loan at AC Milan comes to an end. Mateo Kovacic, who only arrived from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI and could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Another name on the list is that of goalkeeper Ederson, who was linked with move to Saudi for the entirety of the summer window before staying put. The Brazilian shot-stopper has been an integral part of City’s success under Guardiola, but with interest from Saudi clubs and the growing reputation of deputy Stefan Ortega, a change in the goalkeeping department is not off the table. Lastly, Ilkay Gundogan, who returned to the club in January on a short-term deal, is unlikely to stay beyond this season.
The departures of these players would free up a significant portion of City’s wage bill and allow Guardiola to reinvest heavily in the squad. The club is reportedly targeting reinforcements in midfield and defense, with the likes of Juventus’s Andrea Cambiaso and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz among their top targets. Guardiola is known for his ability to evolve his teams, and this summer could see another major transition as he looks to keep City at the top of world football.
Manchester City manager is reportedly preparing for a mass clearout at Manchester City with as many as eight first team stars being put for a sale in the summer as the club targets a revamp of the squad. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
