Manchester City are reportedly ready to part ways with two senior players—Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips—as Pep Guardiola looks to revamp his squad following a challenging campaign.
What’s the Story?
After a tough Champions League loss to Juventus and inconsistent Premier League form, Manchester City are preparing for significant changes.
According to GiveMeSport, the summer of 2025 could see the departures of Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips, two players who have failed to establish themselves in Guardiola’s system.
Matheus Nunes: Struggling to Make an Impact
Matheus Nunes arrived at City with high expectations after impressing at Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the Portuguese midfielder has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, even amidst City’s injury woes this season.
Stats: Nunes has started only five Premier League games during the 2024-25 campaign.
Challenge: Despite being highly rated, he hasn’t adapted to Guardiola’s tactical demands, making him a candidate for a summer exit.
Kalvin Phillips: A Misfit Looking for a Home
Kalvin Phillips’ journey at Manchester City has been rocky since his 2022 move from Leeds United. Currently on loan at Ipswich Town, Phillips is fighting for game time but hasn’t made a significant impact.
City Record: Phillips has made only 31 competitive appearances for Manchester City, scoring once.
Loan Struggles: While Ipswich Town are battling relegation, Phillips hasn’t been able to cement his place, casting doubt on whether the Tractor Boys will pursue a permanent deal.
What’s Next for Phillips?
A return to Leeds United, where Phillips thrived as a fan favorite and England international, could be a sentimental and career-reviving move. However, it remains uncertain whether Leeds would be willing or able to bring him back.
Why Does This Matter?
Guardiola is known for making bold decisions when it comes to reshaping his squad. Offloading underperforming players like Nunes and Phillips would not only free up space but also provide funds for potential new signings in midfield—an area City clearly need to strengthen.
Upcoming Fixtures and Context:
City’s focus remains on bouncing back from their Champions League struggles and climbing back into Premier League contention. With rivals Liverpool already nine points ahead, Guardiola has little margin for error as City prepare for Sunday’s high-stakes Manchester derby.
Citations:
This report is based on the information from:
GiveMeSport reported the potential summer departures of Nunes and Phillips.
Match details from City’s loss to Juventus highlight the urgency of their squad concerns.
Keep an eye on this space for updates on Man City’s evolving transfer plans and how Guardiola addresses the challenges of a demanding season.
