Manchester City still need to trim their squad in order to comply with Premier League and UEFA rules

Manchester City still need to trim their squad in order to comply with Premier League and UEFA rules

 

1. Why the Squad Must Be Trimmed: Regulatory Constraints

 

** Premier League Squad Limits**

 

Clubs are restricted to a 25-man List A squad, with a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players; the remainder must be “home-grown” .

 

U-21 players, however, are permitted to play outside the List A cap .

 

Manchester City currently list 28 first-team players, excluding loaned-out players, pushing them beyond allowed limits .

 

 

** UEFA Champions League Restrictions**

 

For the Champions League, List A cannot exceed 25, and critically, only three new players can be registered for knockout phases if they weren’t registered in the group stage .

 

This limits City’s flexibility when signing multiple players mid-season.

 

 

** Why It Matters for City**

 

Despite fielding a vast roster—including January’s high-volume intake—the club must comply with both sets of regulations. This double constraint makes trimming essential not just for regulatory compliance, but for squad functionality. Recent reports highlight how City are struggling to align with UEFA’s tighter roster rules despite under-21 advantages under the PL framework .

 

 

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2. Guardiola’s Personal & Structural Imperative

 

** A Manager Reluctant to Carry Extras**

 

Pep Guardiola has repeatedly warned that a bloated squad disrupts cohesion and moral. After one fixture, he called the situation “a nightmare,” lamenting how he “can’t tell 5-6 players they cannot play.” He even threatened to quit if squad numbers weren’t reduced .

 

** Deeper Philosophy**

 

Guardiola prefers versatility over volume—choosing utility players capable of filling multiple roles rather than mass duplication. He famously coped with just 20 senior players during the 2023/24 season .

 

 

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3. The Club’s Response and Ongoing Challenges

 

** Ongoing Departures & Blocked Exits**

 

City have begun pushing key exits:

 

Kyle Walker to Burnley

 

Maximo Perrone to Como for €15 million

 

Yan Couto to Dortmund

 

 

However, Kalvin Phillips’ substantial wages and contract make finding a buyer difficult. Same with players like Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and Stefan Ortega—the latter competing with new arrival James Trafford for game time .

 

** Upcoming Clean-Up**

 

Reports suggest Manchester City aim to trim 8–9 players, possibly including Grealish, Walker, Phillips, and others. Younger talents like Echeverri, Omar Marmoush, and Nico González could be loaned or moved to balance the books .

 

 

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4. Risks of Inaction

 

** Squad Harmony at Risk**

 

A bloated squad means reduced minutes and morale issues. Guardiola’s emotional appeal makes it clear: harmony is brittle when too many are sitting on the bench .

 

** Regulatory Penalties**

 

Non-compliance with Premier League squad rules isn’t just internal chaos—it risks penalties, including fines or competition exclusions, though historical financial breaches suggest the governing bodies already scrutinize City closely .

 

** UEFA Exposure Risks**

 

Failure to register under-21 or new signings correctly under Champions League rules could render key players ineligible during critical knockout games .

 

 

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5. Outlook: What Lies Ahead

 

Pep Guardiola’s ultimatum is clear: slim down now or face fallout—both managerial and regulatory. Transitioning to a leaner but more flexible core, while in compliance with Premier League and UEFA regulations, remains City’s immediate challenge.

 

 

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