Five Manchester City Stars Eye Summer Exits as Guardiola's 15-Trophy Era Nears End
Updated
Updated · Transfermarkt · May 19
Five Manchester City Stars Eye Summer Exits as Guardiola's 15-Trophy Era Nears End
14 articles · Updated · Transfermarkt · May 19
Five Manchester City players — Josko Gvardiol, Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, James Trafford and Phil Foden — are emerging as possible summer departures if Pep Guardiola leaves at season's end.
Guardiola's reported exit would remove the squad's main architect after 15 trophies since 2016, raising the risk of a broader reset under an unconfirmed successor, with Enzo Maresca linked.
Gvardiol has been tied to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after losing ground in the starting XI, while Reijnders — signed for €55 million less than a year ago — has started only one of City's last 12 league games.
Marmoush, a €75 million January 2025 signing, has started just 22% of league matches, and goalkeeper Trafford only 8% after Donnarumma's arrival blocked his path to the No. 1 role.
Foden, still one of City's marquee talents, has started 61% of league games and could reassess his future if a new manager reduces the protection and status he enjoyed under Guardiola.
With Guardiola gone and seven stars potentially leaving, is this a calculated rebuild or the start of Manchester City's decline?
Can Enzo Maresca replicate his mentor's success, or will Guardiola's shadow prove too large for the new manager?
Will Phil Foden lead City's new era, or will the homegrown star be the first casualty of the post-Guardiola overhaul?
End of an Era: Guardiola’s 10-Year Reign at Manchester City and the Road Ahead
Overview
Pep Guardiola’s expected departure from Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season marks the close of a historic era. His decision is driven by a sense of project completion after leading the club to unprecedented success, including 100 Premier League points, four consecutive league titles, and a Treble. However, ongoing and unresolved Premier League charges have also added pressure, with Guardiola expressing frustration over the prolonged process. While the club has not officially confirmed his exit, the prevailing sentiment signals a major transition, setting the stage for significant changes both on and off the pitch.