Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are facing a period of reflection after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid. Beyond the defeat, the match exposed signs of fatigue in a squad that has dominated European football in recent years. In response, the Spanish coach is already planning a major overhaul, which could mark the fifth major restructuring of the team since his arrival in 2016.

The loss at the Santiago Bernabéu was not just about missing out on the Champions League; it also reinforced the feeling that this era of City may be coming to an end. Key players have lost prominence, others are showing signs of wear, and injuries have taken their toll on the team’s performance. Guardiola knows that a fresher, more dynamic squad is needed, meaning that several high-profile departures could take place in the upcoming transfer window.

Among the possible exits is Kevin De Bruyne, who did not play in Madrid due to a tactical decision. Although Guardiola has praised the Belgian midfielder and his impact at the club, his future remains uncertain. Bernardo Silva, another key figure in recent seasons, could also leave, while Jack Grealish has yet to fully convince the manager. In defense, John Stones has struggled with recurring injuries, making his continuity questionable, while Ederson and Kyle Walker have drawn interest from other clubs.

A Necessary Change for a New Cycle

Guardiola has proven in the past that he is not afraid to make drastic changes when needed. In 2017, after a tough Champions League elimination, the coach carried out a major squad overhaul, laying the foundation for City’s dominance in England and Europe. Now, the situation is different, but the goal remains the same: to revitalize the squad and stay at the top.

To achieve this, City already has several new talents in mind. Young Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov is reportedly on the club’s radar, while players like Omar Marmoush and Nico González could take on more significant roles in midfield. Additionally, the club is expected to make at least four or five major signings this summer to strengthen all areas of the team.

With the Premier League and FA Cup still up for grabs, Guardiola must balance the present competition with future planning. City’s participation in the Club World Cup in June will make preseason preparations more challenging, but the Spanish manager knows that to remain among the elite, a squad revolution is inevitable.