Manchester City’s reign as the dominant force in English football is looking shakier than ever. Pep Guardiola’s men are enduring a dismal run, with just one win in their last 11 games. Nine points adrift of Liverpool, City are unrecognizable from their quadruple-chasing juggernaut.
The time for loyalty may be over. With injuries, age, and lack of squad depth all hitting hard, the question arises: Who stays and who goes in Pep’s rebuild?
Kevin De Bruyne – The Legend’s Next Move
The Belgian maestro has given City nearly a decade of brilliance. But at 33 and out of contract in 2025, murmurs of a Saudi Pro League or MLS move are growing. While his quality remains unquestionable, the club must decide if one more year of magic is worth the risk of further decline.
Verdict: If the rebuild is serious, selling De Bruyne next summer might be on the table.
Kyle Walker – Still Got the Wheels?
Walker, at 34, remains City’s defensive speedster. His leadership is invaluable, but time waits for no man. Could he feature as a rotational option in a rebuilt squad? Possibly. But City may eye younger, fresher legs to take his place.
Verdict: A loyal servant, but City must consider his succession plan.
Bernardo Silva – Always Linked, Never Gone
Every transfer window, Bernardo’s name pops up alongside Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain. Despite this, his work rate and creativity keep him essential to Guardiola. However, the club must decide if they should finally cash in on the Portuguese star.
Verdict: City can’t lose too many stars at once, so Bernardo likely stays—for now.
Ederson – Still Top Class, But Vulnerable?
Ederson has revolutionized goalkeeping under Pep, but errors have crept into his game this season. With the squad aging and new keepers emerging across Europe, City may look for a fresh face between the sticks.
Verdict: Stay, but watch this space.
Rodri – The Engine Room Concern
Rodri’s injury absence has exposed just how reliant City are on him. However, as McInerney pointed out, the Spanish midfielder will turn 29 soon, and a return to his peak may take time. City must plan ahead to avoid another Van Dijk-esque decline.
Verdict: Stay, but find his heir ASAP.
Jack Grealish – A £100m Question Mark
Grealish has had flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. While his off-the-field marketability makes him an asset, on the pitch, questions persist over his value in a rebuilt City.
Verdict: Patience wearing thin—another underwhelming season could see him move on.
John Stones – Injury-Prone But Irreplaceable?
Stones is crucial to Guardiola’s system when fit. But that’s the problem—he rarely stays fit. His versatility is unmatched, but City may seek reliability over flashes of brilliance.
Verdict: Stay, but City need a backup plan.
Rest of the Squad: Stay or Go?
- Phil Foden: Stay – A future leader and City through-and-through.
- Erling Haaland: Stay – Obviously. If City sell Haaland, the rebuild turns into a demolition.
- Ruben Dias: Stay – Rock solid, though his form has dipped.
- Julian Alvarez: Stay – A rising star who deserves more minutes.
- Kalvin Phillips: Go – A failed experiment. Move him on.
- Joao Cancelo (loaned out): Go – Relationship beyond repair.
- Matheus Nunes: Stay – Too early to judge, but jury’s still out.
- Rico Lewis: Stay – A Pep project worth investing in.
Conclusion: January or Summer—When Should the Rebuild Start?
City’s issues aren’t going away with time. As Steven McInerney argues, waiting until the summer could be a dangerous gamble, especially with Pep Guardiola’s tenure entering its final chapters. The Premier League’s relentless schedule and injuries have exposed cracks in this once-invincible squad.
With Champions League football now at risk, January could be a pivotal moment for City to act, spend big, and lay the groundwork for a younger, hungrier team.
In short: Guardiola’s loyalty has been admirable, but the time for hard decisions has arrived.
