Guardiola Set to Offload Six Players as Manchester City Trim ‘Bloated’ Squad
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is preparing to clear out at least six players from his current squad this summer, according to reports from Goal.
The players on the potential exit list include Ederson, Nathan Ake, Joshua Wilson-Esbrand, Claudio Echeverri, Kalvin Phillips, and Savinho.
Following City’s emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves in their opening Premier League fixture last weekend, Guardiola admitted his squad is “bloated” and in need of streamlining.
Ederson was notably left out of the matchday squad, with the Brazilian goalkeeper in advanced talks to join Galatasaray. Rising winger Savinho also missed the game, as Tottenham Hotspur intensify efforts to secure his signature.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled to nail down a consistent role at the Etihad, could be on the move permanently after previous loan spells at Ipswich Town and West Ham. Defenders Ake and Wilson-Esbrand, alongside talented youngster Echeverri, are also considered surplus to requirements.
Opinion
Guardiola’s decision to trim his squad shows the fine balance City must strike between depth and efficiency. On one hand, having a large pool of talent is vital for competing on all fronts, but on the other, too many idle players can create frustration and disrupt dressing room harmony.
Ederson’s potential departure is perhaps the most eye-catching. The Brazilian has been pivotal to City’s dominance in recent years, and losing him would mark the end of an era between the sticks. For Phillips, however, a move away feels overdue — his City career never truly got off the ground, and a fresh start could reignite his promise.
The real intrigue lies in how Guardiola manages to rejuvenate his squad without sacrificing the competitive edge. City’s ruthless efficiency in the transfer market has always been part of their strength. Letting go of familiar names might sting, but if history is any guide, Guardiola’s reshuffling could open doors for the next wave of City brilliance.
