Since City won their last Premier League title in May 2024, the squad has seen a turnover of 11 players. Ten players from that generation of champions, including team stalwarts like Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, have left the club, while 12 others have arrived.
If City’s recruitment in January 2025 was rushed and seemed somewhat desperate, its latest transfers have proven to be wise.
Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo were among the best players in the Premier League before joining City and have adapted perfectly since their arrival. Indeed, Guehi had to remain on the bench during the final because he was not qualified for the competition and will have to wait a little longer before winning his first trophy with the club.
Khusanov, the best signing in this January 2025 wave of new arrivals, is set to become an idol for City fans thanks to his speed and tenacity.
More changes are on the horizon, with captain Bernardo Silva’s contract set to expire in June, as does that of John Stones, who joined the club the same summer as Guardiola’s arrival in 2026. Stones, who has spent much of the last three seasons battling injuries, has already been de facto replaced by Guehi and Khusanov, while Josko Gvardiol returns to center back after playing as a left back further attenuates the possible shock.
It will be much more difficult to fill the void soon to be left by Silva, who has defied the odds with astonishing performances in decisive moments this season. But after starting the delicate process of squad renewal himself and making tough decisions like the departure of Ilkay Gündogan and De Bruyne, would Guardiola really want someone else to finish the job?
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