English football club Manchester City is stepping into the 2025/26 season with sweeping reforms and major changes. Head coach Pep Guardiola has launched a new project aiming to clear the team of aging stars and rebuild the squad with a fresh and dynamic outlook.
The club has outlined three strategic directions, according to information shared by renowned insider David Ornstein in the British media, sparking further interest around the club.
First and foremost is the activity in the transfer market. This began back in the winter with the arrival of Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Since January 20, the club has also signed promising players like Nico Gonzalez, Juma Ba, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Serre Nypan, and James Trafford — all indicating a strong vision for the future.
The second strategy focuses on parting ways with veteran players. Club legends like Kevin De Bruyne, Scott Carson, and Kyle Walker have already left. Several more well-known names are expected to follow before the summer transfer window closes.
The third and perhaps most crucial direction is offering new contracts to key and trusted players. The first in line is Portuguese central defender Ruben Dias. The club has started negotiating a new long-term contract with him, extending his current deal which runs until mid-2027.
Reportedly, the 28-year-old Dias is expected to be a central figure in the club’s new project. City initially signed him from Benfica in 2020 for €71.6 million.
Currently, the competition in the center-back positions is intense. Alongside Dias and Khusanov, contenders include Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, and Nathan Aké. Interestingly, Dias and Khusanov are known to have a friendly relationship, yet both remain top rivals for a spot in the starting XI.
Guardiola’s approach maintains a balance between youth and experience, which showcases City’s ambition for both the upcoming season and long-term dominance.
For fans, the biggest question is whether Abdukodir Khusanov can thrive under Guardiola and secure his place in the lineup. The new season will reveal the answer.
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