UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City FC could be in for a major overhaul of their squad before next season. Pep Guardiola’s men were outstanding throughout the course of the 2022/23 European soccer season, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, completing the treble, a feat only completed once earlier by their local rivals Manchester United in 1999.
The Citizens have already seen their club captain Ilkay Gundogan leave for FC Barcelona to try a new challenge at a late stage in his career. If suggested rumors are to be believed, City could be in for many more outgoings with many important players looking to try new challenges. Some of the reported rumors have been discussed below.
Kyle Walker and Benjamin Pavard rumored swap deal
Manchester City’s pacey full-back Kyle Walker is interested to join German Champions Bayern Munchen under the managership of Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. Bayern contacted Walker’s camp as they look to replace the loaned Joao Cancelo, with talks on over a potential 3-year deal with the Englishman.
Kyle Walker will speak to Pep Guardiola next week as Man City will get back to work. The conversation will be crucial before final decision. 🔵 #MCFC
Walker gave initial green light to Bayern, there are still details to be clarified; also, no agreement between clubs yet. pic.twitter.com/gLCo0wFlAw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2023
Kyle Walker will return to the Etihad to have a meeting with City Boss Guardiola to discuss his future role at the club. After the meeting, Walker will make his final decision regarding his future. The player camps and Bayern are in agreement over the move, with little details remaining to be sorted. However, the clubs have not begun discussions over the fee, with it being a crucial factor for the completion of the deal.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City have now Benjamin Pavard on top of their list as new right back. 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Pavard is Man City’s priority in case Kyle Walker will join Bayern, deal advanced on player side but not completed yet.
Bayern and City will discuss about Walker and Pavard. pic.twitter.com/Fdkrk5YqpI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2023
In case Walker leaves, City has identified Bayern outcast Benjamin Pavard as the adequate replacement for the departing Walker. The French full-back rose to prominence with his performances in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring the goal of the tournament in the Quarter-finals against Argentina. It remains to be seen whether the clubs will engage in a swap deal for the defenders, with both clubs having potentially different price tags for their players.
Riyad Mahrez is keen on joining the Saudi club Al Ahli
Algerian mercurial winger Riyad Mahrez, could also be on the move from the blue side of Manchester, potentially moving to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The discussions between the player and the club were on since June but Manchester City are yet to receive an official offer from the club.
Al Ahli are pushing to get Riyad Mahrez deal done. Talks advancing on player side since June — as he’s prepared to accept Al Ahli bid 🇸🇦🇩🇿
…but Man City are still waiting to get official proposal and documents, key stage before booking medical.
It will be discussed next week. pic.twitter.com/pb6PgpJZIU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2023
Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano states that the next week will be a crucial week in the transfer story of the 32-year old with the Saudi club obligated to agree a deal with the player’s current club before booking his medical test.
Bernardo Silva snubs PSG offer, waiting for Barcelona
🚨🚨💣| BREAKING: Manchester City will not loan Bernardo Silva to FC Barcelona; they want €80M for him.@Luis_F_Rojo [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/wMHL4hbdm8
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 16, 2023
Bernardo Silva is another player who attracts attention and interest from clubs in England and abroad. The Portuguese midfielder has been linked to a move away from the Etihad in every transfer window for the past 2 years. Currently, French League Champions PSG is the club most actively trying to bring Silva to Paris after the departure of Lionel Messi. However, Bernardo is interested in signing for La Liga champions FC Barcelona, who also remain heavily interested in getting his services.
Manchester City has kept a €80 million ($90 million) price tag for the midfield maestro, a price which seems fair for a player of his caliber. FC Barcelona reportedly approached City to potentially loan the player and finalize a permanent deal next season, which has been out rightly refused by the club. It will be interesting to see how Barcelona will be able to complete such an expensive signing, given their financial struggles.
What do you feel about the exits of important individuals from the City squad? Let us know in the comments section.
