Manchester City's management is taking the fundamental reforms initiated after the unexpected decline last season to a new level. Under the leadership of the team's sports director Hugo Viana, the process of rejuvenation and renewal of the squad is rapidly continuing.
The Zamin.uz publication shares details about the upcoming major "cleaning" at the "citizens'" camp and the news that will be a source of pride for Uzbek football fans.
Pep Guardiola, striving to regain his dominance in European football, aims to fundamentally restructure the squad for next season. Failures in the Champions League and pressure from competitors like Arsenal are forcing Etihad's owners to make tough decisions.
Heroes of the new era
Notably, the chain of updates at Manchester City began with the arrival of Abdukodir Khusanov in January 2025. Today, alongside our compatriot, players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Omar Marmush, and Tijani Reynders have become the core of the team.
However, the updates have not stopped. According to City Xtra, a full 12 players could leave the team next summer.
"Blacklist": Who is leaving?
The team's management is ready to part ways with experienced players who are not compatible with Pep's new system or whose contracts are expiring:
- Defense Line: For Nathan Ake, whose contract is expiring, and club legend John Stones, City's career seems to be coming to an end. Manuel Akanji, currently on loan at Inter Milan, also wants to stay in Italy. The academy's graduate, Rico Lewis, is likely to move to another club in pursuit of regular playing time.
- Midfield and attack: Due to injuries and competition, Mateo Kovacic and Calvin Phillips have been excluded from the team's plans. Bernardo Silva's departure could be the most painful loss for the club. The Portuguese star has decided to accept new challenges.
- A star "reserve": players like Jack Grealish (on loan at Everton) and James Trafford have also lost their starting positions to newcomers.
Abdukodir Khusanov - City's future fortress
Against the backdrop of these significant changes, Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov's position is steadily strengthening. The 22-year-old has quickly become one of Guardiola's most trusted representatives.
Experts believe that Manchester City's future defense will be formed around Khusanov. His consistent play, composure, and quick tactical adaptation are among the key factors prompting club officials to abandon experienced defenders like Stones or Ake.
Dear football fans, do you think Guardiola's decision to part ways with 12 players is right? Can Abdukodir Khusanov become the captain or main leader of City next season?
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