In Manchester, the mood inside the blue half of the city has changed completely over the last few weeks. What began as a normal Premier League campaign for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has now turned into one of the most uncertain periods in his reign. The shock news that six Manchester City flops have been instructed to leave the club this summer ahead of the new season has caused waves across Europe. It is the kind of decision only Pep Guardiola could make — ruthless, strategic, and emotional at the same time. But behind that headline lies another storm: Rodri’s unexpected injury, the cracks showing in City’s midfield, and a surprising twist involving Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong.
It started quietly. Mancheter City’s 2–2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday was supposed to be another thrilling title showdown between two great footballing minds. But in the middle of that battle, Pep Guardiola’s heartbeat in midfield, Rodri, limped off clutching his knee. There was confusion at first. Many thought it was just a minor knock. But within hours, the atmosphere changed. The club confirmed that Rodri had sustained ligament damage in his right knee. City’s medical team tried to calm fears, but the real worry began when Rodri travelled to Spain for further consultation with doctors. That was when Guardiola knew he had a serious problem. Without Rodri, City are simply not the same.
The official statement on City’s website was short and clinical, but it did little to calm fans’ nerves. The club admitted that assessments were still ongoing to determine the full extent of the injury and the timeline for recovery. Sources close to the player have since revealed that the Spaniard could miss the remainder of the season. It’s a blow that could define the rest of City’s campaign. And Guardiola knows that if he doesn’t fix that midfield problem immediately, the Premier League title, the Champions League dream, and even the Club World Cup could slip away.
That was when the name Frenkie de Jong reappeared on Pep Guardiola’s radar. The Barcelona midfielder, one of the most technically gifted players in world football, has long been admired by Guardiola. In fact, when De Jong left Ajax in 2019, Guardiola tried to bring him to Manchester City. But the Dutchman chose Barcelona, saying it was his “childhood dream.” Years later, that dream has not been as perfect as he imagined. Injuries, financial chaos at Barça, and the pressure of expectation have weighed heavily on him. Yet, his quality remains undeniable — the calm on the ball, the intelligence, the press resistance, the ability to dictate play from deep — all traits that Guardiola worships in a midfielder.
Now, with Rodri sidelined, Guardiola’s desire to finally get De Jong has resurfaced. Reports from Spain claim that Manchester City have made discreet contact with De Jong’s camp, exploring the possibility of a January move. It is not an easy deal — Barcelona are not willing to sell cheaply. But according to sources close to the player, De Jong has told those around him that he would consider joining Manchester City under one condition: that Pep Guardiola personally guarantees him a central role in his long-term plans and not just as a temporary replacement for Rodri.
That condition reveals a lot about De Jong’s mindset. He doesn’t want to be a short-term fix. He wants to be part of something lasting — a new system, a new idea, perhaps the next evolution of Pep’s City. And Guardiola might be ready to offer that. After all, the Catalan coach knows that his midfield is entering a phase of transformation. Kevin De Bruyne’s injuries are becoming more frequent, Bernardo Silva’s future remains uncertain, and Kalvin Phillips’ situation is all but over. The City boss is already planning for a new cycle — younger, quicker, more dynamic — and De Jong fits perfectly into that vision.
But Guardiola’s summer plan goes beyond De Jong. Sources close to the Etihad have confirmed that Pep has made one of the toughest decisions of his managerial career. Six players, all considered flops or underperformers, have been told that they are no longer part of City’s long-term plans. The message was clear: there will be no room for comfort or sentiment. Football at this level demands excellence, and Pep wants to rebuild with hunger and intensity. Though the names have not been officially revealed, insiders suggest that Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gómez, Scott Carson, Jack Grealish, and two young loanees are among those who could be on the way out.
It’s a cold, harsh side of football that few talk about. Guardiola is known for his brilliance, but also for his ruthlessness. He once pushed out club legends like Joe Hart and Yaya Touré because they didn’t fit his system. Now, he appears ready to repeat that process. The message inside the City dressing room is loud and clear — you either perform or you leave. And after a season where some players have failed to live up to expectations, Pep’s patience has reached its limit. He wants fresh energy, new ideas, and total commitment.
This is also about control. Guardiola has always been obsessed with structure and perfection. When the system breaks, he rebuilds it immediately. The injury to Rodri exposed how fragile the team can become when the spine is missing. The drop in rhythm, the loss of control, and the sudden vulnerability against big opponents have made Pep rethink everything. Bringing in Frenkie de Jong is not just about replacing Rodri — it’s about building a double midfield pivot that can dominate Europe for years. Imagine a system where both Rodri and De Jong can rotate, complement each other, and allow City to evolve tactically. It would give Guardiola what he always craves — control over every inch of the pitch.
For De Jong, the decision won’t be simple. Barcelona remain emotionally attached to him. The Catalan club sees him as one of the few world-class players in their squad. But the financial reality at Camp Nou could force them to listen to offers. The club’s wage bill remains a problem, and City’s financial strength could make any negotiation tempting. Moreover, De Jong himself might see Manchester City as the perfect place to finally reach his full potential under a manager who truly understands his qualities. Pep has always believed that certain players were “born” for his style of football — De Jong might be one of them.
As Guardiola looks ahead to the next transfer window, Manchester City’s recruitment team has also been instructed to explore alternatives. The list includes a mix of experience and youth. Names like Joshua Kimmich, Dani Olmo, and Florian Wirtz have been mentioned internally. But the focus remains on De Jong because he brings a rare balance between control and creativity. His ability to transition play from defence to attack, his composure under pressure, and his tactical intelligence would make him an ideal addition to Pep’s evolving midfield.
Behind the scenes, there is also a feeling of urgency. Guardiola knows that he is entering the final years of his contract. Every season now feels like part of a legacy. He wants to leave Manchester City not just as a club that dominated England, but as a team that defined an era. That’s why every transfer, every tactical adjustment, and every squad decision feels strategic. Letting go of six players is not just a purge — it’s preparation for a new dawn. City are trying to avoid what Guardiola calls “the comfort trap” — a situation where success makes players complacent. Pep wants to restart the fire.
The fans, meanwhile, have mixed emotions. Some understand the manager’s vision; others feel sad that familiar faces may be leaving. But deep down, most City supporters trust Guardiola’s judgement. After all, his ruthless rebuilds in the past have led to greatness — from the transformation of Sterling and Silva to the rise of Foden and Haaland. Now, it feels like another cycle is beginning, one that might be built around new stars like Frenkie de Jong.
If De Jong eventually accepts Pep’s offer, it will not just be a transfer — it will be a statement. It would show that City are not just buying talent, but carefully crafting the future of their football. It would also send a strong message to rivals like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid: that Manchester City are already planning their next dynasty.
Rodri’s injury may have created a crisis, but for Guardiola, every crisis is an opportunity to evolve. In the coming months, the blue side of Manchester will witness big changes — departures that will hurt, signings that will excite, and perhaps, a new midfield general wearing sky blue.
For now, all eyes are on Frenkie de Jong’s decision. His one condition to Pep Guardiola could shape not only City’s January window but also the entire direction of their future. And while fans wait for Rodri’s recovery, they know one thing for sure — Guardiola is already preparing the next chapter, a chapter that might define Manchester City’s next era of dominance.
