Barely a few days after the announcement of Kevin de Bruyne's departure at the end of the season, Manchester City is already preparing a second major upheaval. The club, accustomed to a certain balance in the management of its stars, seems to enter a deeper transition phase than designed. And another important element of the workforce of Pep Guardiola may well pay the price for this new strategy.
According to several internal sources, the player in question is Jérémy Doku. The club will not remember a player, which is often decisive this season. If he does not officially appear on the transfers list, managers would be willing to listen to any offer deemed consistent. And this, despite a contribution far from negligible statistical level. A way, perhaps, to renew a sector of play deemed too inconstant. And it may be that, in this perspective, the board is betting on youth, drawing from the club academy.
Guardiola could revolutionize everything this summer in Manchester City.
With 6 goals and 7 assists during the year 2024-2025, the former Stade Rennais player, who arrived in the summer of 2023 against 60 million euros, nevertheless points to the third row of the most decisive players in the workforce, behind Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. However, his situation seems to be weakened by a chronic irregularity, and in particular his remarkable absence on the bench during the two games against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Around an eventful summer for Manchester City?
Doku's current market value remains close to its purchase price, estimated at 50 million euros. An amount that could interest many European stables. The club does not seem determined to part with it at all costs, but it is no longer an untouchable. This blur feeds the idea of a programmed departure.
The possible double departure of two key elements of the locker room, both international and influential, could well mark a turning point in the Guardiola cycle. If City separates from its offensive references, it is a balance that will have to be rethought. Summer promises to be agitated on the banks of the Etihad Stadium.
