Pep Guardiola’s Squad Overhaul at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is gearing up for a significant reshaping of his Manchester City squad this summer, aiming to reassert the club’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions for the 2025/26 season. The past few months have been challenging for City, with a significant slide in their Premier League title defense and a disappointing UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of their perennial rivals, Real Madrid. These setbacks have left the FA Cup as the only chance for silverware this season, and the air around the club is thick with the sense of impending change.
Reflecting on the Transition Period
Guardiola has been transparent about the current state of his squad, hinting at a transitional period in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, the team almost certain to become the new Premier League champions. He acknowledged that some senior players, who have been instrumental in his previous successes, may be moving on. This transition is necessary to make room for younger stars who still need time to develop and step up to the challenges ahead. The manager’s strategy is clear: blend experience with youth to create a balanced and formidable team capable of competing at the highest levels.
Significant Investment in January
To kickstart this transformation, Guardiola made a substantial investment in the January transfer window, spending £145 million ($184 million) on new talent. Players like Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov arrived at the Etihad Stadium, signaling the club’s commitment to the future. However, the construction of a championship-winning team is a continuous process, and the focus now shifts to the summer window, where Guardiola plans to make further significant moves.
Targeting Theo Hernandez
One of the key areas Guardiola wants to strengthen is the left-back position, and his attention has turned to AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. The 27-year-old French international has caught the eye of both Manchester City and Real Madrid due to his impressive performances and the uncertainty surrounding his contract at the San Siro. Hernandez’s current deal expires in June 2026, and AC Milan is wary of losing him on a free transfer. The lack of progress on a contract renewal has led the club to consider selling him this summer, potentially for around £41.5 million ($52.5 million).
Competitive Bids and Tactical Flexibility
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City are monitoring the situation closely, but City appears to have the edge in the race for Hernandez, according to Teamtalk.com. The Spanish giants are also interested but have recently missed out on signing Alphonso Davies, which could affect their pursuit. For Guardiola, Hernandez represents a versatile addition to his squad. While Josko Gvardiol has been City’s primary left-back this season, he could be shifted to a central defensive role to provide more pace and dynamism in wide areas. This tactical flexibility is crucial for Guardiola’s high-pressing, attacking style of play.
Preparing for the Future
As City looks to the future, the potential arrival of Hernandez is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The club is also exploring other areas of the squad that need reinforcement, including offensive and defensive positions. Guardiola’s goal is to build a team that can sustain success over multiple seasons, balancing the need for immediate results with long-term development. The upcoming transfer window will be critical, and the decisions made could shape the club’s fortunes for years to come. With the FA Cup as the immediate focus, the entire City squad is poised for a season of transition and renewal.
