Pep Guardiola: It hurts – Five key players set to leave Manchester City after Euro 2024
Manchester City secured their sixth Premier League title in seven years during the 2023-24 season, but that doesn’t guarantee every player’s position under Pep Guardiola.
Throughout his eight-year tenure at the Etihad, Guardiola has demonstrated a readiness to let players go, with Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Ilkay Gundogan all departing on permanent deals last summer.
JACK GREALISH
Man City set a new British transfer record by signing Jack Grealish for €117.5 million from Aston Villa in August 2021, but he has largely underperformed during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Although the England international was an important part of Man City’s treble-winning squad, he is no longer a guaranteed starter. Guardiola’s on-field confrontations with him during the goalless draw with Arsenal highlight his decreasing significance.
Former club Aston Villa has been linked with a move for their ex-star, and Chelsea is also rumored to be interested in a summer transfer.
Grealish’s omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad further suggests that he might need to leave Man City to revive his international career.
STEFAN ORTEGA:
Stefan Ortega has impressed during his rare appearances as Ederson’s stand-in, but he remains a backup at best at the Etihad, usually playing only when the Brazilian is injured.
For a player who was close to breaking into the Germany squad during his time at Arminia Bielefeld, this is a frustrating situation. He has recently commented on reported interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and other Bundesliga clubs.
“I’m not in my early 20s, so I have to choose wisely what I do this summer,” he said. “It’s not about forcing the club to sell me; it’s more about seeing what happens.”
BERNARDO SILVA:
Bernardo Silva has a unique situation among his teammates: he is fully trusted by his manager and is one of the first names on the team sheet, yet Guardiola wouldn’t hinder his departure.
The Portuguese player has openly expressed his desire to join Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Gundogan and Cancelo. His international teammate Joao Felix has also shown interest, recently telling Catalunya Radio, “If Bernardo Silva comes, I’m going to ask for a commission.”
Previously, Bernardo’s high asking price was a major obstacle, but with a year less on his contract than when Barca last tried, Man City might now lower their demands, making a summer move by the Blaugrana more feasible.
KALVIN PHILIPS:
Kalvin Phillips’ time at Man City seems to be coming to an end. The England midfielder was brought in from Leeds to provide cover for Rodri, but Guardiola has preferred using defenders like John Stones and Manuel Akanji in midfield over giving Phillips a chance. Consequently, he was loaned to West Ham in January.
The loan stint proved unsuccessful, as Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez were favored in defensive midfield roles, making an exit from the Etihad likely this summer.
Leeds are reportedly interested in re-signing their academy graduate, but are hesitant to meet City’s €35 million asking price.
JOAO CANCELO: Joao Cancelo, like Phillips, has no future at Man City and was sent out on loan last season.
Despite being one of the best full-backs, capable of playing on either side, Cancelo fell out with Guardiola last year. He joined Bayern Munich on loan in January 2023 and then moved to Barcelona last summer.
“I think they will continue,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta told Mundo Deportivo regarding Cancelo and Felix, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid. “I hope that Atletico won’t object to Joao Felix staying with us, and I think City won’t object either.”
For now, another loan is likely until Barcelona can afford a permanent transfer.
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