“Whether they stay with us” – Pep Guardiola hints at significant Manchester City change during summer transfer window | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that this summer could see more first-team exits from the Etihad Stadium.

The Sky Blues concluded the 2023/24 season with a frustrating defeat to Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with Manchester City unable to secure a fourth trophy of the season following success in the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Manchester City’s three trophies come following last year’s landmark treble achievement, where Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club since 1999 to win the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Success last season led to the departures of three senior Manchester City players, with Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte all ending long-term stays in east Manchester to move elsewhere.

Etihad officials are bracing for a similar exodus this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne out of contract in 2025, and growing uncertainty surrounding a further seven first-team players ahead of the transfer window.

The Blues’ record £100 million signing Jack Grealish has been linked with an exit after a limited number of recent appearances, meanwhile Bernardo Silva has a £50 million release clause within his contract.

Goalkeeping duo Ederson and Stefan Ortega are both facing an uncertain future, with speculation also surrounding Kyle Walker, John Stones and Matheus Nunes, despite the latter only moving to the Etihad Stadium last summer for £53 million.

Guardiola’s future beyond the end of next season is also subject to scrutiny, with the growing potential for the 53-year-old to leave east Manchester in 2025, following the expiration of his current contract.

The Catalan will be at the helm again next season however, but has warned that some of the current members of his squad could choose to leave ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“I don’t know what is going to happen but I know some players have to take a decision on whether they stay with us, and some players might come. My sporting director says everything is fine for next year,” revealed Guardiola.

Manchester City have been linked with a potential £100 million move for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, and are also expected to complete the signing of Savio from fellow City Football Group club ES Troyes.