As the summer transfer window heats up, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is orchestrating a significant squad overhaul, aiming to streamline his roster for the 2025-26 Premier League season. Following a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening fixture, the Catalan tactician has made it clear that his current squad of 30 players is too large for his liking. Guardiola, a firm believer in a lean, motivated unit, is reportedly preparing to part ways with at least six players: goalkeeper Ederson, defenders Nathan Ake and Joshua Wilson-Esbrand, midfielders Kalvin Phillips and Claudio Echeverri, and winger Savinho. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to maintain the team’s competitive edge while adhering to Premier League and UEFA homegrown quota rules, ensuring a squad where every player feels valued and integral.
Guardiola’s philosophy on squad size is well-documented. “I’m not comfortable with leaving players at home,” he said after a match last season, visibly frustrated by the prospect of sidelining talent due to an oversized roster. His ideal squad size is around 23 players, a number he credits for Manchester City’s title-winning success in the 2023-24 season. However, despite loan departures of Vitor Reis to Girona, Jack Grealish to Everton, and summer signing Sven Nyerre to Middlesbrough, the current squad remains bloated. The recent addition of five new signings—Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and James Trafford—has further intensified the need to trim excess, with the club spending over £150 million this window to rejuvenate the squad with younger, dynamic talent.
Among those facing the exit door, Ederson’s potential departure is the most surprising. The Brazilian goalkeeper, a cornerstone of City’s success since 2017, was notably absent from the matchday squad against Wolves, fueling speculation about a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. “Ederson is a key player, but we’re looking at all options,” Guardiola hinted, suggesting openness to reshaping even the most established roles. Similarly, winger Savinho, a recent acquisition, has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who are pushing to secure his signature before the window closes. Despite his potential, Savinho’s omission from the Wolves clash indicates he may not fit into Guardiola’s immediate plans.
Kalvin Phillips, whose time at City has been marred by limited opportunities, is another candidate for a permanent exit. After loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town, the midfielder’s departure seems inevitable. “We’re working on it,” Guardiola said when asked about players like Phillips, emphasizing ongoing discussions with director of football Hugo Viana to finalize transfers. Nathan Ake, a versatile defender, and young full-back Joshua Wilson-Esbrand are also deemed surplus, with the latter struggling to break into the first team. Teenage prospect Claudio Echeverri, despite high praise from Guardiola for his potential, may be loaned out, with La Liga’s Girona a likely destination to aid his development.
This squad reshaping comes at a critical juncture for Manchester City, who are navigating a transitional period under new sporting director Hugo Viana, following Txiki Begiristain’s departure after 13 years. The club’s early exit from the 2024-25 Champions League, a 3-6 aggregate loss to Real Madrid, and a dip in form late last season—culminating in four consecutive losses, including a 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham—have intensified the urgency for change. Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, remains committed to restoring City’s dominance. “Modern football is not positional. You have to ride the rhythm,” he told reporters, signaling a tactical shift toward a more direct, high-energy style influenced by new assistant coach Pep Lijnders, formerly of Liverpool.
The challenge of meeting homegrown quotas adds complexity to the overhaul. Premier League and UEFA rules require eight homegrown players in a 25-man squad, with four trained at City. Players like Phil Foden, James Trafford, and Nathan Ake help meet these requirements, but offloading non-homegrown talents like Echeverri and Savinho could ease compliance. The financial aspect is also significant, as City aim to balance their £180 million summer spending while reducing the wage bill. Potential sales could fund further targets, with rumors linking immuno to a striker like Brighton’s Evan Ferguson or a midfielder in the winter window.
Despite the looming departures, Guardiola remains focused on building a cohesive unit. “Players want to contribute and feel like a valued member of the squad,” he said, underscoring his desire to avoid “sad” and “unhappy” players. As the transfer window nears its close, City fans are bracing for a transformed squad, hopeful that these changes will reignite their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
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