City faces squad trim ahead of transfer window

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola signals a squad trim amid Ederson's illness and transfer-window questions.

Pep Guardiola says Man City need to sell players amid Ederson uncertainty

Manchester City cruised to a 4-0 win at Wolves, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki on target. Ederson missed the game due to gastroenteritis, and James Trafford started in goal as the outstanding question around City's goalkeeper situation remains unresolved. Guardiola did not offer a concrete update on Ederson, but he stressed that the squad must be trimmed in the next two weeks to keep the environment competitive and healthy.

Guardiola said there are too many players in the squad and that a leaner group is needed to maintain balance across all competitions. He emphasized that a deep squad helps a club chase titles, but he does not want players kept out of contention or a negative vibe in the dressing room. Talks with players and agents are expected to continue in the coming days as City works to find a sustainable plan before the window closes.

The tension in City’s approach is simple: a large squad can power a title challenge, yet discipline around selection matters just as much as talent. Guardiola’s comments signal a shift from sheer depth to controlled competition, a move that could shape both performance and morale over a long campaign. If City can partner a smaller, hungry group with the right strategic signings, they may protect the dynamic that has carried them to recent success without fracturing trust among players.

This moment also exposes broader market pressures in English football. Clubs with wealth and prestige face pressure to trim payroll while keeping the squad capable of sprinting on multiple fronts. How City negotiates this balance in the next two weeks will reveal not just their short-term planning but how they manage relationships with players, agents, and fans during a sensitive period.

Highlights

The next moves will test City’s ability to turn depth into discipline.