According to the Daily Star, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is planning a massive sale in the summer following his team’s early Champions League exit, with eight players on the chopping block.
The four-time Premier League champions needed a standout effort at the Santiago Bernabeu to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg, a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. Spain’s situation deteriorated further.
Succumbing to a rampant Los Blancos at Europe’s top table on Wednesday evening, Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick knocked the Premier League outfit for six before Nico Gonzalez scored his first goal since January, providing a late consolation.
In the immediate aftermath of their disastrous night in Madrid, a report claims that Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the best football managers in history, is planning to sell eight players this summer.
The Catalan native sees a severe clear-out as necessary, and replacing them with the money of owner Sheikh Mansour is obviously on the agenda. But whose future at the club remains uncertain, with a vital summer ahead?
Germany and Bayern Munich hotshots According to the source, Florian Wirtz and Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso are on their wishlist, but Guardiola understands the importance of unloading individuals who are judged surplus to requirements before focussing on incomings.
That is exemplified by the sad state of Kevin De Bruyne, whom Guardiola is eager to sell. The 33-year-old was once essential to everything the dominant force could muster, but he is not getting any younger and is incapable of playing top-tier football.
Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, experienced engine room combination, are both said to be in hot water after failing to match the speed of England’s top division this season. With the signing of Gonzalez and the return of Rodri, their presence is no longer essential.
Kyle Walker, who is presently on loan at AC Milan, is curiously among the names reported, as are John Stones and Bernardo Silva. Both players have contributed significantly to Manchester City’s dominance, but are they past their prime?
Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been anything but smooth sailing. The club paid a high amount – estimated to be above £100 million – for his talents, but received little in return. He has only 16 goals and 23 assists in 149 games.
Guardiola’s vast list of prospective departures includes the dissatisfied winger and custodian Ederson. Despite being recognised as one of the top goalkeepers in world football, the Brazilian has not always been dependable for Guardiola, as indicated by the tactician’s habit of switching between him and Stefan Ortega.
