Manchester City is facing a difficult period in the 2025 season, having recently suffered a significant defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League. This loss has cast doubt on their ability to continue competing at the highest level under Pep Guardiola, raising serious concerns about the squad’s current state. As a result, the club is expected to make major changes to their roster in the upcoming summer transfer window.
These changes are necessary for Manchester City to remain competitive and challenge for major titles next season. According to reports, Manchester City is planning to offload several high-profile players in the summer in an effort to refresh the squad and improve their chances in domestic and European competitions. This decision comes after a series of disappointing results and performances that have left Guardiola and the club’s fans frustrated.
The club is looking to sell up to eight senior players, a move that could dramatically reshape the team. These players will either be sold or allowed to leave when their contracts expire. The first group of players that are most likely to depart includes those whose contracts are set to expire in the summer of 2025. These players are set to become free agents and will no longer be part of the club once their contracts come to an end. Among the players whose contracts expire are some of Manchester City’s most well-known and valuable players, including Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan, and Scott Carson.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of the club’s most iconic players, has played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success over the years. However, his form has been less than stellar this season, and injuries have started to take a toll on his performance. At 33 years old, De Bruyne is reaching the latter stages of his career, and it is possible that Manchester City may decide to move on from him. Despite his immense talent, the club might feel that his influence has waned, and it might be time for them to invest in a younger, more dynamic player who can contribute at a high level in the coming years. Gündoğan, who has been a key figure in the team, has also seen a decline in his performances.
After a successful period with Barcelona, he returned to Manchester City but has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the best midfielders in the league. His age and the fact that he has not been able to maintain his previous high standards mean that he may also be on his way out of the club. Additionally, veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson is another player whose contract is expiring, and he is unlikely to be offered a new deal.
Apart from the expiring contracts, there are several players at Manchester City whose futures are uncertain due to the way they have been performing or their roles within the team. These players include Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Ederson, James McAtee, and Stefan Ortega, all of whom have contracts that run until 2026.
Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move away from Manchester City for several seasons. Despite being a talented and versatile player, he has often been rumored to want a new challenge elsewhere. His performances have sometimes been inconsistent, and he could decide to seek a move to a different club that offers him more opportunities or a fresh start. John Stones and Ederson are both integral parts of the squad, but their performances have not been without criticism this season. Stones, a central defender, and Ederson, the goalkeeper, have been sources of frustration for both Guardiola and the fans, and it is possible that Manchester City may look to sell them in the summer if they feel that the pair are no longer performing at the level required.
Ederson, in particular, has been a key figure for Manchester City for several years, but there are concerns over his consistency in recent times. If Manchester City can find suitable buyers, the club may decide to cash in on these players, signaling a shift in the team’s defensive setup. James McAtee, a young and promising attacking midfielder, has been pushing for more playing time, but he has not been able to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
McAtee might seek a move away to a club where he can get more game time and develop his potential further. Ortega, a backup goalkeeper, has been solid when called upon but may also be sold if the club decides to reduce the size of their squad and offload players who are not essential to the team.
In addition to these players, Manchester City is expected to offload some players who are currently surplus to requirements. Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes, Kalvin Phillips, and Kyle Walker are all players who could leave the club in the summer. Grealish, in particular, has struggled to live up to the massive price tag that Manchester City paid for him when they signed him from Aston Villa. While he has shown flashes of his ability, Grealish has not consistently delivered the performances expected of him. His future at Manchester City is now in doubt, and the club could decide to sell him if they receive a suitable offer. Matheus Nunes, who joined Manchester City in the past year, has been used in a variety of roles but has not been able to make a significant impact in any of them.
The club may decide to part ways with Nunes if they feel he is not fitting into the team as hoped. Kalvin Phillips, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, has not been able to establish himself as a regular starter at Manchester City. His loan move could become permanent in the summer, or Manchester City could look to sell him to another club. Kyle Walker, who has been with Manchester City for several years, is also likely to leave the club. Currently on loan at AC Milan, Walker could see his move to the Italian club made permanent in the summer, or City may look to find a new destination for him.
Altogether, these twelve players represent a significant portion of Manchester City’s squad, with their combined market value totaling €305.2 million. While it is unlikely that the club will receive the full value of these players in transfer fees, as many of them have expiring contracts or are entering the final year of their deals, it still represents a substantial amount of talent that could be sold.
If Manchester City were to allow all these players to leave the club, it would account for around 23% of the squad’s overall market value. This is a significant amount of talent to lose, and it would certainly have an impact on the squad’s composition and overall strength. However, it is a move that might be necessary for Manchester City to refresh the team and make space for new players who can contribute more effectively.
The decisions surrounding the departures of these players are crucial for Manchester City’s long-term strategy. The club will need to invest in new talent to replace the outgoing players, and it is expected that Guardiola will be given the resources to make new signings that will strengthen the squad. The summer transfer window will be a critical time for the club, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season and ensure that they remain competitive in both domestic and international competitions. The club’s ability to rebuild and bring in fresh talent will determine whether they can continue to challenge for major trophies in the years to come.
Manchester City’s plans for the summer will likely be shaped by their current struggles and the need for a more balanced, dynamic squad. Whether the club can successfully overhaul their team and find the right replacements for the players who are set to leave will be key to their future success. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the next chapter for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
