Pep Guardiola Set to Oversee Major Manchester City Overhaul
Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing for a drastic squad revamp at Manchester City, planning to offload up to seven senior players in a bid to refresh his struggling team. The Spanish manager is set to part ways with those he believes have passed their peak, signaling a ruthless rebuild.
Among the names reportedly on the chopping block are Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne, with the latter’s contract set to expire in June. This overhaul would see City part ways with key figures who played pivotal roles in their treble-winning campaign and their dominance under Guardiola over the past eight years.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Ilkay Gündogan, and Mateo Kovačić are also being considered for departure. City are determined to revitalize the squad, especially amid what is shaping up to be their most challenging season under Guardiola’s reign.
Reports suggest that a ‘revolution’ has been in motion behind the scenes for months, with January signings Nico González, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis marking the first steps toward a squad overhaul. Notably, only Marmoush is over the age of 23, reflecting City’s focus on young talent.
To further bolster the squad, City have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a potential replacement for De Bruyne. Additionally, newly appointed sporting director Hugo Viana—successor to Txiki Begiristain—has reportedly identified Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande as one of the most promising defensive prospects of his generation. Juventus right-back Andrea Cambiaso and Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci are also believed to be on City’s radar.
Despite City’s struggles this season, Guardiola is under no immediate pressure regarding results, with the club fully backing him to spearhead the transformation. The 54-year-old signed a new contract earlier this season, committing to the club until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland remains central to City’s plans for the future. The Norwegian striker, who signed a blockbuster nine-year contract in January, has been a standout performer despite the team’s inconsistencies, netting 27 goals this season. He is now closing in on City’s top five all-time scorers, needing just 15 more goals to surpass Raheem Sterling’s 131-goal tally.
Currently, City trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 20 points following their 2-0 defeat to the Reds last Sunday. With their Champions League and Carabao Cup hopes extinguished, their FA Cup campaign remains their last opportunity for silverware this season.
