Manchester City have entered a transitional period under Pep Guardiola and more landmark squad changes could be set to occur at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City look to avoid rare trophyless season under Guardiola
Nobody would’ve thought Guardiola could be staring at a trophyless season off the back of his side’s fourth successive Premier League title in 2023/24.
However, the prospect is becoming a more realistic eventuality following the Citizens’ Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid a matter of days ago.
Currently, Manchester City are one of the chasing pack for a place in the competition again via league finish rather than challenging for the title, while they were also dumped out of the EFL Cup away to Tottenham Hotspur last October.
Incredibly, the FA Cup is all now that stands between Guardiola and a first campaign without a trophy to his name since 2016/17. Plymouth Argyle await next weekend with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
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Manchester City’s next five fixtures |
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Tottenham Hotspur (A) |
Premier League |
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Plymouth Argyle (H) |
FA Cup |
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Nottingham Forest (A) |
Premier League |
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Brighton & Hove Albion (H) |
Premier League |
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Leicester City (H) |
Premier League |
Transitional has become the buzzword at the Etihad amid the highs and lows of recent months. Manchester City’s January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov have helped to raise spirits among supporters, but they will take time to fully adhere to Guardiola’s relentless demands on the pitch.
In contrast, it has perhaps been those within the squad that haven’t hit the heights this season who illustrate more than most that change is afoot at the reigning champions.
Eras do indeed come to an end, but Manchester City supporters will be torn on the prospect of a winning machine being taken apart piece by piece, especially when it comes to key players who could be set for a new challenge.
Kevin De Bruyne closing in on headline Manchester City exit
According to The Boot Room, Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne is close to finalising terms over a move to San Diego FC and talks are ‘progressing’ with his long-term future at the Etihad uncertain.
The Belgium international has claimed 14 major honours at the club and delivered some of the greatest moments in their modern history, with 105 goals and 173 assists in 405 appearances across all competitions.
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He could replace Kevin De Bruyne…
De Bruyne earns £400,000 per week (£20.8 million per year) on the books at Manchester City. Nevertheless, he is wanted to fill one of San Diego’s three Designated Player slots and the Major League Soccer outfit lead in the race to secure his services despite strong admiration from Saudi Pro League clubs.
His compatriot Charles De Ketelaere has been earmarked as a potential replacement in the event of an emotional departure. Despite his exciting profile, the man he could succeed is someone there simply wouldn’t be a direct replacement for at the Etihad.
Nevertheless, there is a need for fresh blood at Manchester City, especially if they were to lose a player of De Bruyne’s calibre over the next few months.