Manchester City face the end of an era as Guardiola uncertainty sparks Rodri and Haaland fears

There is no Premier League 2025-26 title race anymore. Arsenal are champions of England, confirmed mathematically after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

A single slip at the Vitality Stadium has potentially reshaped the recent history of English soccer, marking what could be the beginning of a new cycle in the Premier League hierarchy.

A club sensing the end of something bigger

Even as Enzo Maresca has shown at Chelsea that he is ready to step into elite management, the wider reality surrounding Pep Guardiola points toward something more consequential at Manchester City.

The expected departure of Guardiola is increasingly seen as inevitable, and that alone risks triggering a chain reaction that City would prefer to avoid.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones are already confirmed exits, but the summer of 2026 could bring a far more significant reshaping of the squad.

The scenes at the Vitality Stadium told their own story.

Jérémy Doku, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and others stood visibly devastated after the final whistle. Fans who traveled to the south coast applauded the players, while also urging the club to keep Guardiola.

On the pitch, players covered their faces, rubbed their eyes, and stood in silence. The message was clear: something important has ended in Manchester City’s modern era.

Pep Guardiola has repeatedly insisted that any decision will come after discussions with the club’s leadership.

“First I need to speak with Ferran Soriano and the chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak,” he said. “After that, we will decide if I stay another year and discuss everything.”

Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart, speaking on BBC Sport’s Match of the Day, suggested the situation is already pointing in one direction.

“It’s pretty clear what is going to happen,” Hart said. “This has been emotionally draining for them. The last 10 years have been incredible, and I’m sure Pep will be part of the succession planning.”

Beyond the coaching uncertainty, Manchester City also face major questions over their squad structure.

Sporting director Hugo Viana is tasked with planning the next cycle, including replacing long-term icons such as Bernardo Silva, who has collected nearly 20 trophies during his nine years at the club.

But one name stands out above the rest: Rodri.

The Spanish Ballon d’Or winner is contracted until 2027, but interest from elite clubs, including Real Madrid, is once again growing.

Rodri’s 2025-26 campaign has been a return-to-form season following a serious knee injury. While still not fully at peak condition after a recent muscle issue, his influence has been steadily returning.

He has made 33 appearances, 26 as a starter, scoring twice and regaining control in midfield during key matches, including a full 90-minute return in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

With Guardiola’s future uncertain, speculation around Real Madrid’s interest has intensified once again.

Real Madrid continue to search for a long-term midfield conductor, and Rodri is once again being monitored by the club’s leadership under Florentino Pérez.

City, however, are determined not to lose one of their most important players. The club is pushing to extend his contract and significantly improve his wages before the World Cup.

Rodri himself, however, is in no rush.

“I’m calm,” he said after the FA Cup final at Wembley. “Right now I’m focused on my club and finishing the season by winning as many trophies as possible. Then comes the World Cup. That is my priority.”

For now, the situation remains open, but City are aware that time is not on their side.

Erling Haaland’s situation could not be more different.

Unlike Rodri, and unlike teammates such as Phil Foden, Nathan Aké and Mateo Kovacic, Haaland is not approaching the end of his contract. In fact, he is locked in at Manchester City until 2034 after signing one of the most significant deals in soccer history.

The Norwegian striker made his position clear after committing his future: “I’m here to stay.”

That said, even Haaland has never hidden the influence Pep Guardiola had on his decision. The striker has repeatedly praised the City manager, calling him the best coach in the world and crediting him as a decisive factor in his long-term commitment.

Which raises the question now hanging over the Etihad Stadium: if Guardiola eventually leaves, how many of City’s pillars will want to follow the same path?

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