Manchester City Set for Major Squad Overhaul in 2025 as Pep Guardiola Prepares for a New Era
Manchester City are reportedly preparing to overhaul their squad in 2025, with Pep Guardiola set to usher in a “new era” at the Etihad Stadium. After a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, where the reigning Premier League champions have managed just one win in their last 12 games across all competitions, City’s leadership is contemplating significant changes.
A New Era on the Horizon
Guardiola, who recently committed to a new contract with the club, is under no pressure despite City’s recent struggles. However, the underperforming players are facing the real possibility of being axed as part of the club’s rebuild. According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Guardiola plans to use the remaining two years of his contract to build a fresh squad and move away from the current cycle that has dominated City for several years.
Balague shared his thoughts in the Daily Record, saying, “They are generally achieving their targets and the renewed target for this season is top four. That is what City want to do. That is the target they have all put in their head. I think they will achieve that. They are not that far away at the moment. You are talking about an achievable target.”
Balague continued, “But quite clearly, Pep Guardiola is going to use the last two years of his contract — which are probably the last two of his career as a club manager — to prepare a new Manchester City. I have got a very clear idea that they will want to get rid of five or six regular starters for Manchester City and bring five or six new starters. Half of the team. It is a new era. The end of this one and a new era starting.”
A Shift in Recruitment Strategy
While City resisted making major summer signings in 2024, their approach to recruitment in 2025 is expected to be drastically different. The club, currently facing a period of transition, is reportedly looking to part ways with several key players to make room for fresh talent.
The looming departures include high-profile names like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, both of whom will be out of contract in the summer of 2025. Long-serving right-back Kyle Walker, now 34, has been linked with a move away from Manchester City, while goalkeeper Ederson has also attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Midfielder Bernardo Silva remains linked to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and City is said to be open to offers for Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias.
What Lies Ahead for City?
Despite the current rut, with just a handful of wins this season, Manchester City’s management remains confident that they can achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League. Guardiola’s vision for the club’s future is clear, and the significant overhaul planned for 2025 signals the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
City’s next move will be crucial in determining the future of their star players and shaping the team Guardiola envisions for the post-2025 era. The club’s transformation, which could see a complete refresh of their starting lineup, will have a lasting impact on the Premier League and European football as a whole.
