Pep Guardiola is coming to Manchester City, and a good number of players could be heading out the door.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, the Catalan manager will promote a major change of the current City squad, and as much as six players could be sold or released as Guardiola wants to bring in at least six new footballers for next season, his first as coach.
Two departures are certain: Yaya Touré has personal issues with Pep and his agent announced the player was leaving the club once he knew about Guardiola’s appointment last February. The Ivorian was a huge part of City’s success over the past few years, but injury issues lessened his contributions and he’s no longer an integral piece of the team. His decline and Pep’s arrival mean Yaya will not be part of the future plans, and he will leave the Etihad this summer.
Another player sure to leave is Wilfried Bony, who has had two very disappointing seasons since signed from Swansea City. The Ivorian was unable to adapt to City’s system and struggled with the pressure of playing for a bigger club, scoring only 10 goals in 45 appearances for the Citizens. The rise of academy wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho turned Bony into a third-choice striker, and he does not possess the qualities that would make him a key piece in Guardiola’s scheme.
A few other players strongly linked with leaving City this summer: Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Eliaquim Mangala and even captain Vincent Kompany, who continues to suffer with injury problems and is no longer a reliable part of the City squad.
There are still two months to go before the opening of the summer window and Pep’s arrival, but one thing is for certain: City’s squad will be very different next season.
SB NATION (Bitter Blue)
