City trims squad ahead of season

Manchester City scouts a tighter squad in pre-season as departures loom and fitness questions rise before the transfer deadline.

City trims the squad as Guardiola eyes leaner options ahead of season

Manchester City are in Sicily for a pre-season match against Palermo, missing Jack Grealish, Stefan Ortega and James McAtee as they prepare for departures in the coming weeks. Guardiola signaled a push to shrink the 31-player senior group and said the team needs fewer numbers, outlining that several players should move on. Everton are linked with Grealish and Nottingham Forest lead the race for McAtee, illustrating the ongoing reshuffle in City’s market. Rodri’s return from a groin issue is being paced carefully, likely delaying a full restart after the international break. Foden and Josko Gvardiol were not part of the Italy trip or were not fully fit, and Guardiola warned the early games could come with some risk if players are not yet ready. The club emphasises rest and training time over match load as they navigate a congested schedule and a shifting transfer window.

City faces a delicate balance between pruning depth and maintaining competitiveness. Reducing numbers could free resources for late deals, but it also places greater pressure on a thinner bench during early fixtures and in case of injuries. The moves reflect a broader Premier League trend where top teams tighten payrolls while staying flexible in market activity. Guardiola’s stance suggests a longer strategic view, even as fans watch for signs of a coherent plan at a moment of market volatility.

Highlights

The window will reveal how City translates ambition into measured, steady progress this season.