As Pep Guardiola continues to restructure his playing roster, Manchester City is willing to approve the departures of a few well-known players this summer, such as John Stones and Ilkay Gundogan.
After trailing Liverpool and Arsenal in the previous season’s title chase, the former Premier League champions have been active this summer and during the January transfer window. Additionally, a number of exits are anticipated even though more incomings are probable.
The Athletic claims that Stones is one of them. Stones has been a key member of Manchester City throughout a time of consistent success for the team. In contrast, the 31-year-old England defender is reportedly open to a transfer this summer as City enters a new era.
Gundogan, 34, is another well-known player who might be fired even though he only made his comeback to The Etihad last summer after spending a year at Barcelona. The team is trying to reduce their roster, and the seasoned midfielder is joining Mateo Kovacic in being “touted” as a possible departure.
The Six Players Pep Guardiola Wants To Get Rid Of
Guardiola expressed his desire for a smaller team for the next season to the media at the end of the previous one. For the Etihad Stadium departure lounge, Guardiola is apparently considering six additional players, but Kyle Walker has already completed a move to newly promoted Burnley.
Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, and Nico O’Reilly are the other three players reportedly in a similar situation to their teammates; however, the same rumor also states that Bobb is not expected to depart The Etihad this summer. It is also mentioned that some would depart temporarily as opposed to permanently.
With nearly 270 appearances for City since joining the team from Everton back in 2016, Stones would be the most significant departure of the names on the list. This summer, Man City is reportedly planning to sell Jack Grealish in addition to Stones.
Although the former Aston Villa winger has been frequented by Newcastle United, the Magpies have no intention of signing him. Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the lead for the English winger, who may fetch up to £40 million.
