The squad rejuvenation process at Manchester City, which began in early 2025, specifically with the transfer of our compatriot Abduqodir Husanov, is entering a new phase. Pep Guardiola aims to radically overhaul the team's defensive stronghold this summer and hand over the positions of experienced stars to representatives of the younger generation. Zamin.uz has analyzed the latest transfer news from the "Citizens'" camp.
Farewell to the Old Guard: Who is leaving?
Manchester City officials are preparing to part ways with three central defenders simultaneously, who have been the pillars of the team's defense for several seasons.
John Stones: It has been officially confirmed that the experienced defender will leave the club at the end of the current season.
Manuel Akanji: Akanji, who was loaned to Italy's Inter Milan last year, has decided to stay in Milan. The Italians plan to complete a full permanent transfer for him.
Nathan Aké: According to famous insider Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old Dutch defender has also been included in the list of players leaving the team in the summer. There was interest in him from Serie A clubs as early as winter.
New Leaders: The Husanov and Guehi Tandem
In the second half of the 2024-2025 season, a completely new tandem has formed at the heart of Manchester City's defense. Abduqodir Husanov and Marc Guehi, who was purchased in January, have already become Guardiola's primary choices.
Due to the reliable performance shown by our compatriot and Guehi, even stars like Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias have lost their places in the starting lineup.
Pep Guardiola highly values the potential of these young defenders, calling them the future of the club.
Filling the Squad: Vitor Reis Returns
Following the departure of three experienced defenders, Brazilian talent Vitor Reis, who is currently on loan at Girona, is expected to return to Manchester to fill the resulting void. This will provide Guardiola with the necessary rotation options to compete across four competitions.
Aké's Legacy at City
Nathan Aké has honorably defended the team's colors since 2020, becoming a four-time English champion, a Champions League winner, and a participant in the famous "treble." However, to maintain his place in the Netherlands national team, he requires regular playing time, which has become difficult to guarantee in the current City setup.
Dear football fans, do you think Abduqodir Husanov will be able to maintain his place as a key defender for Manchester City next season? Can the tandem formed with Guehi stop Europe's strongest attackers?
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
