SAD News for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as THREE BIG NAME player has informed the club that the will be leaving this summer
A year ago, Manchester City’s goalie and defense were so reliable that the supporters had a song honoring their stoppers.
Ake and Ederson. Walker and the Japanese. Dias Ruben. John Stones.
The goalkeeper was unstoppable and provided a Champions League-winning display in Istanbul to validate his manager’s unwavering trust. Stones was redefining the center back position by moving into midfield. Nathan Ake put a stop to City’s protracted hunt for a “decent” left-back. And Manu Akanji, who signed for a steal of £14 million, was filling in wherever possible.
Following the triple triumph, Kyle Walker was the lone unknown. After being left out for the championship game and considering a move to Bayern Munich, he decided to sign a new deal, earned the armband of captain, and saw more starts than any other defender during the season.
Walker, who turns 34 today, acknowledges that his playing time could have to decrease in the upcoming seasons, casting doubt on the right-back position’s future. Stones had to work hard to earn back his spot in the first team photo during the summer after been left out during the run-in.
Not even Dias’s house was safe. Consistently strong performances by players like rookie Josko Gvardiol and thoroughly deserving of their spots in the latter months of the season by Ake and Akanji forced them out of the team. Guardiola upended the hierarchy by adhering to his motto, which states that a player who performs well will maintain the shirt.
Ederson has been associated with an escape and backup behind the defense. According to Stefan Ortega, he could go this summer in quest of increased playing time.
We examine each goalie and defensive player’s position after 2023–2024 in the first of three parts of our squad assessment, along with what they need to do to improve for the next season:
Who is able to depart?
First, the unfavorable news. After a strong run of performances, Stefan Ortega was the first player to suggest he could try to depart this summer. To be honest, he would like to play more, but Pep Guardiola has assured him time and time again that he would still be the number two player in the upcoming season.
Given that he is expecting his second kid, his family’s needs will determine what he does, but he acknowledged last week that he has not received any offers that even remotely compare to what City has to offer. Guardiola and City want Ederson to stay, despite rumors that he would move to Saudi Arabia, which might complicate things.
Sergio Gomez, who played just six Premier League games for a total of 47 minutes all season—averaging 29 minutes over 15 appearances—is the only player in defense who might theoretically go. Gomez had a dismal season. With two years remaining on his deal, the 26-year-old will undoubtedly want to sign a permanent or loan deal to gain more playing time.
At best, he is a fifth choice at left-back and farther back on the flank, positions that won’t improve for the upcoming year.
