Eight Key Players, Including Kevin De Bruyne, Face the Axe in Summer Clear-Out
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing for a dramatic squad overhaul this summer, with plans to sell up to eight first-team players following their disappointing exit from the Champions League. The decision comes after City’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the round of 16, where a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé sealed their fate despite a late consolation goal from winter signing Nico González.
According to The Daily Star, Guardiola has grown frustrated with the performances of several key players and is ready to make ruthless changes to revitalize the squad. Among those reportedly on the chopping block are club legend Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovačić, Kyle Walker, İlkay Gündoğan, Ederson, and Jack Grealish.
The potential departure of De Bruyne, a fan favorite and cornerstone of City’s success since his arrival in 2015, will come as a shock to many. The Belgian midfielder, now 33, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and with his £400,000-a-week contract set to expire this summer, Guardiola appears willing to let him leave as a free agent.
Other veterans like Silva, Stones, Kovačić, Gündoğan, Ederson, and Walker are also believed to be past their peak, and City may look to offload their hefty wages to make room for fresh talent. Even Jack Grealish, who joined City in a British record £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, has failed to consistently deliver on his promise and could be shown the door despite being just 29 years old.
City’s early Champions League exit has highlighted the need for change. After a shaky run of form late last year, the club made several signings in the January transfer window, including Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis. However, the focus now shifts to outgoings, with Guardiola determined to rebuild a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
While the potential sale of fan favorites like De Bruyne and Silva will be tough for supporters to swallow, Guardiola’s ruthless approach underscores his commitment to maintaining City’s dominance in English and European football. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the Etihad to see how the club navigates this pivotal transition.
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So amazing 🥰