Manager Josep Guardiola will reportedly be without two Champions League winners for next season as he seeks to build a new competitive project at Manchester City.
Manchester City are reportedly gearing up for a major shake-up after suffering underwhelming results in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season. This transition period could see manager Josep Guardiola lose two key players who helped them win the coveted Champions League trophy in the 2022-23 season.
The Citizens’ leadership has already taken steps to secure the team’s future, starting with the extension of Guardiola’s contract with the club until June 2027. Additionally, the club has secured star striker Erling Haaland on a long-term contract until 2034. As part of this restructuring, moving veteran players appears to be the next strategic step.
According to GiveMeSport, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, who were instrumental in City’s golden era, are currently considering leaving the club. Their combined weekly wages are reported to be around £630,000, with the club exploring options to revamp their roster.
Both players have been central to Manchester City’s success over the past decade, contributing to numerous Premier League titles and the Champions League. However, with De Bruyne now 33 and Gundogan 34, their roles at the club have diminished and their contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.
De Bruyne and Gundogan: starting point
At the start of the season, De Bruyne was expected to sign a new contract with Manchester City, but a series of injuries and a decline in his influence in the first team led to a change of opinion among the bosses.
In his case, the Belgian playmaker is closely linked to MLS newcomers San Diego FC. According to reports, preliminary negotiations have been held with promising results, but no formal offer has been made yet.
Meanwhile, Gundogan returned to Manchester City this season after a one-year spell with FC Barcelona. Although he signed a one-year contract with a second option, he did not live up to expectations with two goals and one assist in 27 games. His declining influence could pave the way for retirement or a role within Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Guardiola has expressed great admiration for Gundogan’s intelligence and leadership. “Ilkay didn’t talk much, but when he spoke, everyone listened, including me as a coach. He was clear and direct. He’s a very smart player, the best player I’ve ever coached He’s one of the smartest players we have. He was the key to our success,” Guardiola said in an interview with Stern magazine last year.
