How Man City could overhaul squad after Pep Guardiola contract decision
Pep Guardiola may be staying at Manchester City, but there could still be change at the Premier League champions next summer.
City have struggled this season by their usual high standards and there is a growing belief that they will look to refresh their squad next year.
Guardiola staying will only drive that desire and, here, Standard Sport takes a look at some of the business that could take place.
Possible outgoings
Ederson
The goalkeeper was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but ended up staying put.
The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the City team since joining in 2017, however the club could be tempted to cash in.
Ederson’s understudy, Stefan Ortega, has performed well when given the chance and is said to be eager for more game time.
City could also look to dip into the transfer market to replace Ederson, who has admitted his head was turned in the summer by the huge wages on offer in Saudi.
The Belgian was another City player linked with a lucrative move to the Middle East during the most recent transfer window.
The 33-year-old has also been tipped for a possible switch to Major League Soccer (MLS) and his contract is due to expire at the end of this season.
De Bruyne has been one of the best players in the Premier League over the past decade, but more recently he has been hit with injuries.
Guardiola was adamant last summer that De Bruyne would not leave, however it remains to be seen what his stance is this time around.
Kyle Walker
The right-back turns 35 next summer and by then will have just one year left on his contract.
He has struggled for minutes this season after appearing for England at the European Championship, with Rico Lewis offering serious competition for his place in the City team.
Walker is currently City’s captain and it would represent a big call for the club to move him on. But, if they are looking to refresh the team, then letting the England star go could represent a viable solution.
Possible incomings
Jeremie Frimpong
Once a product of City’s academy, the right-back has been in fine form for German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Frimpong scored 14 goals last season in all competitions and his ability going forward makes him a dangerous weapon.
If City are to move on from Walker, then the 23-year-old is a signing that would make a lot of sense.
Frimpong is reportedly open to leaving Leverkusen next summer in search of a new challenge - and he will not be short on offers.
Like Frimpong, the German has starred for Leverkusen and is set for a big-money move next summer.
Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the attacking midfielder, who scored 18 goals last season.
Still only 21, Wirtz is viewed as one of the best young players in the world and could be the heir to De Bruyne.
Capable of playing out wide or as a No10, he would fit in well at City given their style of football and fluid system.
Martin Zubimendi
City’s recent struggles have shown how they are in need of competition and cover for Rodri.
They have struggled without their star midfielder, who suffered a serious knee injury at the start of September.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a reported target. He has excelled in LaLiga and was linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, while Arsenal were credited with an interest, too.
Comfortable playing at the base of midfield, the Spaniard would go some way to helping City cope without Rodri.
