El Chiringuito journalist Jose Alvarez has reported that as many as 5 players could leave Man City in the summer in a ‘major exit operation’, due to being ‘unhappy’ with Pep Guardiola, with Barcelona keen on all their signatures.
Why the 5 Man City players could leave in the summer
These players include the likes of Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte
While one can understand why Barcelona would target such world-class superstars, to see as many as 5 Man City players be unhappy enough with Guardiola to demand a switch is surprising.
However, Jose Alvarez has claimed that a number of players at the Etihad Stadium are ‘disgruntled’ with how things are currently at the club and ‘can’t stand the situation.’
On Joao Cancelo, who has recently been kept out of the side by both Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte, Alvarez revealed that his relationship with Pep Guardiola and his staff is ‘not the best.’
Touching on Ilkay Gundogan, the Spanish journalist has reported that the club captain is ‘not interested’ in renewing his contract and is set to join Barcelona next season, as recently reported.
The timing of these claims certainly come as a surprise, considering Man City are in a title race and for 5 Barcelona-linked players to be speculated with exits after being unhappy with Guardiola is worrying from the club’s point of view.
As for Bernardo Silva, the midfielder remains keen on leaving the club, with Xavi’s side having targeted him for the past two summer windows.
Lastly, while the Premier League champions have their sights on extending Aymeric Laporte’s contract, the player seems to be keen on departing Manchester this summer.
Will the 5 Man City stars leave next season after Guardiola beef?
It’s hard to say but going by Pep Guardiola’s recent comments about a mentality issue, he may be looking to initiate a squad rehaul.
However, whether all these 5 players will be at Man City still remains a big question mark, especially if they are unhappy with Guardiola and Barcelona are ready to sign them.
Only time will tell but what can be said for sure is that the Sky Blues will not muck around in the transfer market before the start of next season.