Pep Guardiola is reportedly ready to make major changes to his Manchester City squad in the upcoming January transfer window, with five players reportedly on his “blacklist” for sale. This follows a disappointing run of form, with City failing to win any of their last six matches, and the recent draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday breaking a streak of five consecutive defeats. Guardiola has been quick to explain these poor performances by citing injuries to key players and the subsequent impact on the team’s overall form. However, reports in Spain now suggest that Guardiola is not only frustrated with his squad’s recent results but also with the performances of certain individuals, and he is prepared to offload them in the winter.
Key Players on the Transfer List
Guardiola’s discontent appears to have reached its boiling point, with several players reportedly set to be sold. The list includes some high-profile names, with the club reportedly ready to part ways with them, even at the cost of a significant shake-up within the squad.
- Matheus Nunes
One of the most notable players on the chopping block is Matheus Nunes, the Portuguese midfielder who joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £50 million deal at the start of last season. Despite the hefty price tag, Nunes has failed to live up to expectations, struggling to secure a regular spot in Guardiola’s team. He barely featured in his debut season and, although he has been given more playing time recently, his performances have not been enough to convince Guardiola of his worth.
According to reports, Nunes was part of the starting lineup for four of City’s recent defeats, only to be dropped after the disastrous 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese international’s struggles have been cited as one of the most significant misjudgments of Guardiola’s tenure at City, with claims that he has “never met expectations.” Given the ongoing issues, it seems increasingly likely that Guardiola will look to cut his losses and move Nunes on during the January transfer window.
- Mateo Kovacic
Another player whose future at City is uncertain is Mateo Kovacic, who joined the club from Chelsea under somewhat similar circumstances to Nunes. The Croatian midfielder was brought in as a replacement for the injured Rodri, who was pivotal in City’s midfield. However, Kovacic has failed to settle into Guardiola’s tactical system and has struggled to make an impact in the starting XI.
While he was expected to be a key figure in the team, Kovacic has been unable to replicate the form that made him such an integral part of Chelsea’s midfield. His inability to adapt to City’s style of play, especially in a more defensive role, has raised doubts about his long-term prospects at the club. Reports indicate that Guardiola has lost patience with Kovacic, and the club is now ready to move him on, especially if they can recoup a significant portion of the transfer fee they paid for him.
- Nathan Aké
Nathan Aké, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth, is another player who could be on his way out. The Dutch defender has been a reliable squad player for Guardiola, but his role at City has often been secondary to the club’s more established defenders. While Aké has performed well when called upon, his place in the starting lineup has often been under threat from other players.
With City reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £25 million, Aké may find himself seeking a new club in January. Though he has been a solid presence in defense, his limited first-team opportunities may prompt him to seek a move to a team where he can play more regularly. It’s also possible that City are looking to reinvest the funds from Aké’s sale into strengthening other areas of the squad.
- John Stones
John Stones, another cornerstone of City’s defense, is also reportedly on the transfer list, though Guardiola has stated that the club won’t “get in the way” of an exit if a substantial offer is made. Stones has been a key figure at the back for City in recent seasons, but injuries and the club’s desire to refresh their defensive options may see him moved on in January. Guardiola has worked closely with Stones to develop his game, but if a sizeable bid comes in, City may be willing to let him go in order to retool the squad ahead of a busy second half of the season. - Jack Grealish – The ‘Big Sale’
Arguably the most surprising and headline-grabbing name on the list is Jack Grealish. Since his £100 million move from Aston Villa, Grealish has faced significant pressure to justify his price tag, and while he has had moments of brilliance, his inconsistency and injury woes have caused frustration for both Guardiola and the fans. Reports indicate that Guardiola has lost patience with the England international, citing Grealish’s frequent injuries and, more notably, his involvement in several “extra-sport scandals” off the pitch. This has reportedly led to Guardiola accelerating his exit from the club, with a potential “big sale” on the horizon in January.
The 28-year-old has struggled to find his best form on a consistent basis, and Guardiola’s patience appears to have run out. Grealish’s involvement in off-field controversies has reportedly exacerbated the situation, and Guardiola is said to have grown increasingly frustrated with the player’s inability to meet the high standards expected at Manchester City. While Grealish has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall impact has been underwhelming, and it now seems that City are ready to cash in on their record signing.
Guardiola’s Frustrations and the Bigger Picture
Pep Guardiola’s frustration with his squad is no secret. The team’s recent run of poor form, culminating in a six-match winless streak, has only added to the pressure. In the wake of the Feyenoord draw, Guardiola’s frustration boiled over, and there were concerns about his emotional state. He was seen on the sidelines, visibly distressed, clawing at his face and appearing with scratches and a bloody nose. Guardiola later joked about the incident, attributing it to “self-harm” caused by a long nail, but the incident raised concerns about his mental state under the intense pressure of managing a top-tier club like Manchester City.
Enric Armengou, a professor of psychiatry, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Guardiola’s behavior was a result of the extreme anxiety and stress he was feeling. “His behaviour was that of a man who is at his limit,” Armengou explained, “and it is not a trend but a specific event in a moment of maximum tension.” While it’s important not to overemphasize this incident, it serves as a reminder of the immense pressure that Guardiola is under as he tries to navigate both internal squad issues and external expectations.
Conclusion: A New Era at City?
As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester City are preparing for what could be a significant shake-up of their squad. Guardiola’s patience with certain players seems to have reached its breaking point, and if the reports are to be believed, several high-profile names could be shown the door. The potential sale of Jack Grealish would mark the most dramatic move, but it seems that City are ready to make bold decisions in order to reassert themselves in the title race and address the deficiencies that have plagued them this season.
For Guardiola, the focus will be on rebuilding the squad, finding the right balance, and ensuring that City can return to their winning ways. While the road ahead may be challenging, the manager has proven time and time again that he can turn things around when faced with adversity. The winter window could be the key to reshaping the squad and setting the stage for a strong second half of the season.