Manchester City braces for a post‑Guardiola shake‑up: a summer of exits, doubts and a massive rebuild ahead

A new era is beginning at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s departure after a decade — the most successful stretch in the club’s history — marks the end of something once unimaginable and now nearly impossible to replicate.

Life at the Etihad goes on, though, and the post‑Guardiola era is already taking shape. And Pep isn’t the only one packing his bags. He wasn’t the first to leave, and he won’t be the last.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones: two pillars saying goodbye

City already confirmed weeks ago that Bernardo Silva and John Stones will leave when their contracts expire on June 30. Two icons. Two players who won everything in sky blue.

After nine and ten years respectively, their cycles are complete — and now it’s on Hugo Viana, the sporting director, to find replacements.

But before City dives into the market to replace Bernardo Silva — the player Guardiola used more than any other in his entire coaching career — or John Stones, the club is focusing on something else: the exit operation.

Seven more players could leave this summer

According to The Athletic, the following players “could leave Manchester City this summer”:

Each case is different. Kovacic and Aké are veterans with only one year left on their deals — natural cycle endings. But Nico González, Marmoush and Reijnders arrived less than two years ago for big fees. City spent €187 million (about $200 million) on the trio. Nico and Marmoush are under contract until 2029, Reijnders until 2030.

Their futures may depend on the arrival — not yet official — of Enzo Maresca, expected to replace Guardiola. But none of them are considered untouchable.

Academy talents also in limbo

The same goes for academy products Rico Lewis and James Trafford.

Trafford, who represented England at the World Cup this summer, failed to secure the No. 1 spot. City bought him back last year for more than €30 million (about $32 million), but the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma pushed him into a backup role. Still, he helped City win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup when he did play.

Dias and Gvardiol: not for sale, but not guaranteed to stay

The Athletic also mentions two heavyweight names:

Neither is on City’s discard list — far from it — but their futures aren’t fully secure.

Dias, under contract until 2029, has been linked to Real Madrid, an interest that could grow now that Florentino Pérez remains president and José Mourinho is expected to take over.

Gvardiol, signed in 2023 for a record €90 million (about $97 million) and tied to City until 2028, is also being monitored by Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. City has already put a renewal offer on the table.

Rodri: the biggest domino of all

And then there’s Rodri Hernández — the most important piece of the puzzle. He has just one year left on his contract, and he’s been the player most strongly linked to a move to Real Madrid, both before and during the club’s election cycle.

Rodri has postponed any decision until after the World Cup, but if he leaves, the rebuild becomes seismic.

A turbulent summer ahead

What’s clear is this: Hugo Viana is facing one of the busiest summers in Manchester City’s modern history. Guardiola gone, legends departing, key players uncertain, and a squad that could undergo a dramatic overhaul.

The Guardiola era is over. The next chapter is about to begin — and it may look nothing like the last one.

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