Another clean-up at Manchester City: Guardiola names the center-back who will leave

With just three rounds of the Premier League season remaining, Manchester City are very close to qualifying for the Champions League. Despite losing the title to Liverpool this season, Pep Guardiola has managed to steer his team through a difficult period as a manager.

After the crisis - a policy of renewal

The crisis and numerous injuries experienced in the first half of the season led to disruptions in the main playing system of the “city” team. The Spanish specialist saw the solution in cleaning up and rejuvenating the squad.

Already in January, the team began to replenish the ranks with talented, young players such as Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez and Umar Marmush.

The list of departures is being formed

Guardiola is now preparing to say goodbye to some of the team's famous, but not very effective players. The most prominent name on this list is John Stones.

Stones' historical place and his diminished role

The 30-year-old defender was brought in from Everton in 2016 and has been a key figure in City's central defence for many years. He could be seen not only in the center, but also in various positions in the defense.

However, Stones managed to play in only 20 games this season. Various injuries, poor form and new competitors have dulled his status.

Guardiola: fitness, not experience, is more important

With this decision, Josep Guardiola shows that the team is moving to a new level. Now the team will focus primarily on young, strong, fast and aggressive players. This is a dangerous signal for players like Stones who earn big salaries but do not show enough results on the field.

Sporting director - a symbol of the new political face

The club has invited Hugo Viana as sporting director to fully and systematically organize this renewal process. He was appointed to be responsible for forming the basis of the new team through summer transfers.

Stones has enough offers, but...

Although the fact that John Stones is not a free agent (he has another year of contract with City) makes it difficult for him to leave, interest in him is high. His former club Everton is keen to bring the player back. West Ham, on the other hand, plan to use his experience to strengthen their defensive line.

He has offers from outside England, Europe and even other continents. However, the transfer issue will naturally depend on how much City will ask for and how much the player will earn.

In conclusion...

Manchester City is now looking not only at the championship, but also at the future. Stones' departure could be the end of an era, paving the way for young talents like Khusanov.

What do you think - is Stones' departure a loss for City or a door to new opportunities? Will Abdukodir be able to take full advantage of this opportunity?

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