Manchester City are preparing for a major squad overhaul in 2025, with reports suggesting that half of their regular starting XI could be sold. Pep Guardiola, who recently extended his contract, is looking to refresh his squad and build a new team for the future.
City’s current struggles on the pitch—just one win in their last 12 matches—have added urgency to these plans. The club, which took a conservative approach to transfers in the summer of 2024, now appears ready to make big changes to reverse their fortunes.
RECALL
The reigning Premier League champions have slipped into a worrying slump, far from the form that made them the team to beat.
With their aura of invincibility fading, Guardiola is reportedly planning a “hard reset” to address these issues and launch a “new era” for the club.
QUOTES:
Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague explained the situation to the Daily Record:
“Pep Guardiola is using the final two years of his contract to reshape Manchester City. He plans to replace five or six regular starters with new players. It’s the end of one cycle and the start of another.”
He added:
“City’s targets haven’t changed—they want to secure top-four and recover the essence of their team. This rebuild is about more than just this season; it’s about preparing for the future.”
CITATIONS:
Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, whose contracts expire in 2025, could depart. Kyle Walker, now 34, faces speculation about his future.
Ruben Dias and goalkeeper Ederson have also drawn interest, with the latter linked to Saudi Arabian clubs.
Bernardo Silva, a long-time target for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, may also be on the move.
KEEP IN MIND:
Guardiola’s squad overhaul is not about panic but long-term planning. While City’s struggles are clear, this ambitious rebuild aims to ensure they remain competitive at the top of English and European football for years to come.