6 Man City Stars Linked with Exit from Club as Guardiola Looks to Streamline Squad After CWC exit
Manchester City are set to overhaul their squad following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign and an early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, with manager Pep Guardiola reportedly identifying six players as surplus to requirements this summer, according to Sportskeeda.
According to Flashscore, the Premier League champions are eager to avoid an overcrowded dressing room after making four new signings already this transfer window, with more arrivals expected. Guardiola has therefore placed a focus on moving out players who are either past their best or struggling to fit into his plans.
Among the names expected to depart are Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Kalvin Phillips, Kyle Walker, and James McAtee.
Grealish, who lost his place to Savinho last season, is considered the most likely to leave, although a loan move seems more realistic given his high wages and the £100 million City invested in him in 2021. Stones, meanwhile, has attracted interest from his former club Everton as well as Brighton & Hove Albion, and talks are expected to determine his future soon.
Gundogan, now past his prime, is drawing attention from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. Manchester City are even considering offering the veteran midfielder a non-playing role after retirement. Kalvin Phillips, who has spent time away on loan since 2024, is not seen as part of Guardiola’s plans going forward.
Kyle Walker, after returning from a loan stint at AC Milan, has already told Guardiola he wants to finish his career abroad, while academy graduate James McAtee is also expected to leave due to a lack of consistent first-team opportunities.
The need to reshape the squad comes in the aftermath of City’s shock 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup, ending their run in the tournament far earlier than expected.
As City look to bounce back next season, fans can expect significant changes in the playing squad to match Guardiola’s vision for the future.
🚨 Six Manchester City Stars Linked with Exit as Guardiola Plans Summer Clearout Following Club World Cup Setback
After a disappointing Club World Cup (CWC) exit, Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning to streamline his Manchester City squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Spanish tactician, known for constantly refreshing his group to maintain competitiveness, is ready to part ways with several high-profile names in a bid to inject fresh energy and avoid stagnation.
According to multiple reports from sources including Sky Sports, The Athletic, and Manchester Evening News, six Manchester City stars are being linked with summer exits, with Guardiola believed to be open to letting them go if the right offers arrive. While City remain the dominant force in English football, last season’s disappointments — including a premature Champions League exit and a failed Club World Cup campaign — have prompted serious reflection at the Etihad.
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The Six Manchester City Players Linked With Moves Away 📝
1. Jack Grealish
After an underwhelming 2024/25 season, Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City is increasingly uncertain. The £100 million signing from Aston Villa was expected to be a mainstay in Guardiola’s side, but his influence has faded, especially with Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden excelling on the wings.
Grealish managed just a handful of goals and assists last season and struggled with injuries and form. While still a valuable player, Guardiola is said to be open to letting him leave, especially if a club — such as Napoli, AC Milan, or even a Premier League side like Newcastle — comes in with a serious offer.
The move would allow Grealish a chance to reignite his career elsewhere and give City more room to maneuver in the market.
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2. Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips has had a forgettable spell at Manchester City. After joining from Leeds United in 2022, the English midfielder has failed to cement a place in Guardiola’s team and was loaned to West Ham in the second half of last season.
Despite his hard work and professionalism, Phillips simply hasn’t met the tactical or physical demands required by Pep. A permanent move away from the Etihad is expected this summer, with interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, and clubs in Serie A.
Phillips’ departure seems inevitable and would be mutually beneficial as both parties look for a fresh start.
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3. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move away from Manchester City every summer for the past three years, and this time, the speculation may finally materialize into action.
Silva remains a top performer and a fan favorite, but he’s reportedly open to a new challenge — particularly with interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese midfielder has a relatively low release clause (around €50 million) which could tempt suitors.
Guardiola has previously acknowledged Silva’s desire to try a new league or culture, and with City planning to rejuvenate their midfield, this summer could finally see Silva’s exit.
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4. Aymeric Laporte
Although Laporte already left City in 2023 to join Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, there’s been renewed speculation that a European return is on the cards, with some reports linking him back to Manchester City — only for the club to immediately dismiss such rumors.
City, meanwhile, are considering parting ways with other centre-backs, and Laporte’s past departure highlights the ongoing theme — experienced defenders moving on as the club transitions toward a younger, quicker backline.
While Laporte is not returning, his story underscores the trend: City are ready to break emotional ties when tactical evolution demands it.
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5. João Cancelo
After falling out with Guardiola during the 2022/23 season, João Cancelo was loaned out to Bayern Munich and then to Barcelona. Although he showed flashes of brilliance in Spain, his long-term future remains unresolved.
Cancelo is expected to return to Manchester City for pre-season training unless Barcelona decide to negotiate a permanent deal. However, Guardiola is unlikely to reintegrate him into the first team due to tactical differences and prior fallout.
With Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, and others capable of playing full-back, Cancelo is surplus to requirements. Expect a transfer — likely to Barcelona or another La Liga side — before the window closes.
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6. Stefan Ortega
Backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has impressed whenever called upon, especially in domestic cup games. However, the German shot-stopper is believed to be considering his options this summer amid interest from clubs offering him first-choice status.
City want to keep Ortega, but his desire for regular football might prompt a move. If he leaves, City will be forced to look for a high-quality backup to Ederson, who remains the undisputed No. 1 at the club.
Ortega’s exit wouldn’t be a headline move, but it would be crucial from a squad balance standpoint — especially with City competing on multiple fronts next season.
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Why Guardiola is Streamlining the Squad 🔄
Pep Guardiola has always been a master of evolution. He refreshes his squads every few seasons, not only to bring in younger or more dynamic players but also to maintain a high-performance culture. Players who lose hunger, consistency, or tactical fit are often moved on, regardless of status.
The early Club World Cup exit hit Guardiola hard. It marked a rare international club failure and exposed some of the team’s weaknesses — lack of pace in transitions, reduced pressing intensity, and moments of creative stagnation. By trimming the squad, Guardiola can reinvest in younger, hungrier talents who are tactically adaptable and physically sharp.
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What It Means for the Future of Manchester City 🔮
The potential departure of six notable names is a strong signal that Manchester City are preparing for another evolution phase. Pep wants to avoid the complacency that can creep in after sustained success. The likes of Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Oscar Bobb, and Josko Gvardiol represent the next generation, and Guardiola wants to build the team around them.
City are also expected to make key signings this summer. A midfielder, a winger, and potentially a backup goalkeeper are all on the radar. Names like Florian Wirtz, Michael Olise, and Jeremie Frimpong have been mentioned as possible targets.
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Final Thoughts 💬
Manchester City may be reigning domestic kings, but even they aren’t immune to the need for change. Guardiola’s decision to potentially part ways with six players — including high-profile stars like Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Cancelo — shows his ruthless commitment to keeping the squad at peak performance.
As always, City’s summer dealings will be watched closely across Europe. The next few weeks could reshape not just the team, but the very identity of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. And if history is anything to go by, it’s all part of a master plan to go again — harder, sharper, and smarter.
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