A page will turn. After a decade of good and loyal service, but also numerous titles won, Pep Guardiola will bow out at Manchester City. If the main interested party and the Mancunian club have not confirmed anything yet, the British press assures that he will leave and that Enzo Maresca will take over. The Athletic explains that it may be the right time for this change because the City squad is made up of a lot of new elements and that it may be easier for the new coach to put his paw on the group. We can also say that the players came to work with Guardiola and that his departure is not necessarily good news.
Because other departures are expected this summer. In addition to physical trainer Lorenzo Buenaventura and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor, Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already announced their intention to leave. Manuel Akanji, who was on loan to Inter this season, will settle there permanently. Other players are also on the starting ramp like Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian has offered his services to Real Madrid, announced A.S. a few days ago. Bayern Munich is also cited as a base. Lothar Matthäus revealed on this subject: “I have a player in mind and I heard that they (Bayern) have already taken the first steps. A former Bundesliga player from Leipzig, currently playing for Manchester City, left back, central defender. Gvardiol.”
Disgruntled captains and players leaving
Bild confirms an interest in the player under contract until 2028. Another City player whose future is being talked about: Rodri. While there was recent talk of a contract extension proposal from the Cityzens, in Spain, there is still talk of Real Madrid. During the weekend, A.S. clarified that it was also offered to the Merengues. This Tuesday, the Cadena SER talks about a domino effect after Guardiola’s departure. “Rodri is available for Real Madrid in the transfer market, and the club needs to know if the new coach wants him to pursue his signing (…) Guardiola’s departure could also be a determining factor, because let’s remember that during his last visit he said that no one would dream of playing for Real Madrid. Now, we all know that this is one of Rodri’s wishes.”said journalist Manu Carreño.
José Mourinho, who will take control of the team, will decide on this target. Whether Guardiola stays or leaves, James Trafford will have a change of scenery. He came to City last summer to be a starter, he ultimately became Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy. Recently, Newcastle, Aston Villa and even Tottenham have been cited as points of departure. Omar Marmoush is also not guaranteed to stay in England. Barça has been cited as a potential candidate for his arrival. Nathan Aké is also targeted by the Catalans. The strong competition in defense will propel him towards the exit. Unless Maresca decides to keep her. Ditto for Tijjani Reijnders, who arrived last summer, and Savinho, who will not be selected if a serious offer arrives. Mateo Kovacic is asked to leave. So that makes 8 players, if we don’t count those who are sure to leave like Bernardo Silva or even Jack Grealish and Kalvin Philipps (on loan). A new era will dawn at City.
