Manchester City’s stunning fall from grace in Pep Guardiola’s era continues, with a disheartening seven-game winless streak capped off by a defeat to Liverpool. Sitting 11 points behind the Premier League leaders a third into the season, the reigning champions face their most profound challenge yet. While injuries and form dips have played their part, the underlying issue appears to be a squad that’s aging past its peak.
Experts now suggest that City, a club renowned for forward-planning, may have overestimated the staying power of some key players. Here’s a deep dive into the five stars whose positions need urgent reinforcement—and why Guardiola must act fast.
Once the beating heart of City’s midfield, Kevin De Bruyne is now at a crossroads. At 33, injuries have sidelined him for much of this season, and his £400,000-a-week wage—highest in the league—poses a challenge for a potential contract renewal. Though a legend, De Bruyne’s physical struggles and expiring deal could push City toward a rebuild. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is rumored to be on their radar as a successor, but filling De Bruyne’s creative void is no small task.
2. Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker’s decline has been among the sharpest. The once-unstoppable right-back, now 34, has shown signs of losing his pace and agility. Though Walker’s contract runs until 2026, his future at the Etihad looks uncertain after narrowly missing a Bayern Munich transfer in 2023. City might look internally at Rico Lewis or seek external reinforcements to sustain their defensive depth.
3. Ilkay Gundogan
The surprise return of Gundogan from Barcelona this summer has been underwhelming. At 34, the former captain has struggled to keep up physically, often outpaced in midfield battles. City gave him a one-year deal, but his performances suggest his second stint at the club may be short-lived. His replacement could be part of a broader midfield overhaul to address the absence of Rodri due to injury.
4. Jack Grealish
Despite playing a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023, Grealish has struggled for consistency since. The £100m winger is yet to score this season, raising questions about his long-term place in the team. Linked with a move away, Grealish faces pressure to either rediscover his form or face the possibility of City cashing in on him while he retains market value.
5. Bernardo Silva
Silva’s future has long been the subject of speculation. The versatile Portuguese playmaker, now 30, will soon enter the final year of his contract. While Silva remains effective, City could be tempted to cash in on him while they still can, especially given their need to freshen up their squad.
Beyond the Big Five: Other Concerns
Dropped against Liverpool for Stefan Ortega, Ederson’s form has come under scrutiny. With interest from the Saudi Pro League, City might evaluate their options if his performances don’t stabilize.
Defensive Depth
Nathan Aké and John Stones are entering pivotal years in their careers, with both needing to prove their long-term value. Meanwhile, City must consider alternatives for Rodri’s cover—a glaring issue during their poor run of form.
Attack Lacking Firepower
The sale of Julián Álvarez left Erling Haaland without a reliable backup. Signing a striker capable of complementing or rotating with the Norwegian is critical, especially as City seeks to diversify their attacking options.
The Road Ahead
Manchester City’s dominance was built on ruthless efficiency—both on the pitch and in the transfer market. Guardiola’s side must now emulate Liverpool’s transition under Klopp, avoiding the pitfalls of over-loyalty to aging stars.
With January looming, City has the chance to rejuvenate their squad. The choices they make will define their season—and perhaps Guardiola’s legacy.
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