One of the most anticipated and exciting starts of the English Premier League will take place on August 16, when Manchester City begin their journey in the new season with an away match against Wolverhampton. This game will undoubtedly be a start full of new hopes and intrigue, not only for the team but also for millions of fans.
Following the trials of last season, the difficulties during the process, and the crisis that ultimately occurred, significant structural changes have been made in the Citizens’ squad. During the winter and summer transfer windows, the club signed contracts with around ten new players, bringing new blood and fresh energy to the team. This has created a highly competitive environment under Guardiola’s management.
The experienced Spanish coach has now set himself a difficult task: to select from the available players the most suitable and strategically necessary footballers, thereby forming a solid core of the squad. The club’s sporting director, Hugo Viana, is also actively participating in this process, beginning to part ways with several players who are not in Guardiola’s plans.
Among the aging stars who do not fit the club’s new strategy, Kevin De Bruyne, Scott Carson, and Kyle Walker have left the team. Young defender Vitor Reis was loaned to Girona to gain match experience. In addition, negotiations are ongoing over the loan of several other young players who find it difficult to secure a place in the first team. Overall, it is no secret that some well-known and experienced footballers are also looking for opportunities in other clubs.
Guardiola is firm in his opinion: the number of players in the squad is excessive. He openly stated at the end of last season that some of his players were spending too long on the bench and that there was limited opportunity to give them game time. Currently, 31 players are taking part in Manchester City’s main training sessions — which is too many for the experienced manager. He prefers to work with a compact and cohesive squad.
— We do not need unnecessary numbers. I don’t like it when players pile up in the squad. Several players need to leave, — said Guardiola. — The transfer market is still open, active, and new developments can happen every day. We still have time ahead of us, and time will tell which path we choose. We will try to make the most of our opportunities and find the best solution.
According to the latest news, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and attacking players James McAtee and Jack Grealish are expected to move to other clubs soon. There are also serious buyers for several other experienced players.
At the start of the summer transfer window, there were rumors that Abdukodir Khusanov could be loaned out. However, later Pep Guardiola made it clear that he intended to use the services of the Uzbek central defender in the new season. This decision was confirmed by several authoritative sports sources.
— Manchester City enter the 2025–2026 season with several central defenders. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are seen as the main candidates for the central position. Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji can also play in this role. Young Vitor Reis has gone to Girona, — wrote esteemedkompany.com expert Adam Marett.
According to him, John Stones has clearly stated that he will not leave the club. The management also intends to keep Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Abdukodir Khusanov in the squad. The departure of experienced defenders like Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji this summer is almost impossible, as there are no clubs showing interest in them.
Guardiola has already determined who he will rely on during the season, and among these trusted players is Abdukodir Khusanov, to whom he plans to give a worthy chance. This is undoubtedly a special pride for Uzbek football.
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