As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, all eyes are once again on Manchester City—not just because of their recent dominance in English football, but because the club may be on the verge of one of its most aggressive squad overhauls under Pep Guardiola. According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, up to 10 players are expected to leave the club, and City are already “very busy” targeting six key signings in response.
This kind of churn is unusual for a club that typically operates with surgical precision in the transfer market. However, it also speaks volumes about Guardiola’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection. As other clubs might rest on their laurels after a title-winning campaign, Manchester City are planning, preparing, and evolving.
So, what does this mean for the reigning Premier League champions, and who are the six players Romano says the club is targeting? Let’s unpack what could be one of the most transformative summers of the Guardiola era.
The Expected Departures: A Changing of the Guard
While Manchester City’s starting XI has remained relatively stable over the past few seasons, the squad is aging in certain areas, and several players are reportedly open to new challenges. According to multiple reports, the club could see the exit of up to 10 senior squad members, either due to contract expirations, declining roles, or lucrative offers from abroad.
Here are some of the most likely departures:
- João Cancelo – After spending time on loan at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Cancelo’s relationship with City appears fractured. A permanent move looks inevitable.
- Kalvin Phillips – A high-profile signing that never quite settled, Phillips is expected to move in search of regular minutes.
- Bernardo Silva – Despite his importance, Bernardo has been linked with a move to either Spain or Saudi Arabia for over a year.
- Kevin De Bruyne – Though still elite, the Belgian maestro has entered the final stages of his prime, and rumors of MLS or Saudi interest are swirling.
- Jack Grealish – Injuries and inconsistency have raised questions about his long-term fit.
- Sergio Gómez / Aymeric Laporte (already departed) / Stefan Ortega – Rotation or fringe players looking for more consistent roles.
- Scott Carson (contract expiration) – Veteran third-choice goalkeeper possibly retiring.
- Emerging youth players – A few academy graduates may be moved on either permanently or on loan to reduce congestion.
If these moves materialize, Guardiola will face a major challenge: rebuilding depth without disrupting chemistry.
Romano’s Six “Very Busy” Targets: Manchester City’s Wishlist
While Fabrizio Romano hasn’t named all six targets explicitly in one post, his recent reporting—combined with City’s known scouting interests—paints a clear picture of where the club is focusing its efforts. Let’s look at the likely six players Manchester City are targeting to reinforce their squad this summer.
1. Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)
City were heavily linked with the Brazilian midfielder last summer before a betting investigation halted negotiations. Now that Paquetá appears to be in the clear, City are reigniting their interest. Paquetá fits Guardiola’s mold perfectly: technically gifted, tactically flexible, and capable of both creating and pressing with intensity.
His arrival would make sense, especially if Bernardo Silva or De Bruyne leaves.
2. Joško Gvardiol (RB Leipzig – now at City, symbolic of the club’s style of signings)
While Gvardiol arrived last year, City are looking to complement him with another left-footed center-back or versatile full-back. Reports suggest Perr Schuurs (Torino) or Antonio Silva (Benfica) may be in the club’s sights.
3. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
The French winger has been outstanding for Crystal Palace and is seen as a long-term right-wing option. With Riyad Mahrez gone and Grealish’s role under review, Olise offers youth, flair, and creativity. At just 22, he could be molded into a Guardiola-style wide attacker.
4. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
This would be a blockbuster move. Guardiola coached Kimmich at Bayern, and with the German international potentially open to a new challenge, City may swoop in. He would provide cover in midfield and could even play at right-back—a trait Guardiola values highly.
Kimmich’s leadership and experience would be especially valuable if De Bruyne or Silva departs.
5. Pedro Neto (Wolves)
Injuries have slowed his momentum, but when fit, Pedro Neto has proven to be one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. City’s recruitment staff are reportedly big fans, and he could be a lower-cost alternative to Olise or another wide forward.
6. Leny Yoro (Lille)
The 18-year-old French defender has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. With elite anticipation and composure beyond his years, Yoro would be a long-term project, much like Gvardiol was. City are likely to face stiff competition from PSG and Real Madrid, but their project could appeal to the young defender.
What This Means for Guardiola’s Future
While Pep Guardiola has not publicly committed to staying beyond 2025, such an aggressive rebuild suggests that the club is preparing either for a final two-year window under his leadership—or laying the groundwork for a smooth transition if he departs.
This kind of overhaul also shows the manager’s unique willingness to evolve. Rather than simply refresh the fringes of the squad, Guardiola is unafraid to move on from key players and reshape his team to fit new ideas. It’s what has kept him ahead of the curve—and why City continue to dominate domestically and compete fiercely in Europe.
Strategic Evolution or Overreach?
There is, of course, a risk involved. Squad cohesion can be disrupted if too many players leave at once. New signings may take time to adapt to Guardiola’s demanding system. And in the Premier League, where competition is fiercer than ever, even minor slip-ups can cost titles.
But if there’s one club that has earned the benefit of the doubt in the transfer market, it’s Manchester City. With a strong track record of identifying talent and integrating new players, the Cityzens have the infrastructure and leadership to pull off a major transition.
Final Thoughts
The summer of 2025 could mark a turning point in Manchester City’s recent history. With up to 10 players potentially departing and six “very busy” targets identified by Fabrizio Romano, this isn’t just about plugging holes—it’s about redefining the squad for the next phase of dominance.
As other clubs scramble to keep up, City are once again setting the agenda. Guardiola isn’t just planning for next season—he’s planning for the future of the game.
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