(Credit: Getty/Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 18 August 2025 9:21, UK

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could let two stars leave the club despite their winning start to the new Premier League season.

'Ugly lair' - Man City fans suspicious after Pep Guardiola drops Savinho 'cover up'	'Ugly liar' - Man City fans suspicious after Pep Guardiola drops Savinho 'cover up'	Pep Guardiola to 'snub Nottingham Forest deal' after Rico Lewis' Man City masterclass v Wolves

Tijjani Reijnders shone as Man City dispatched Wolves 4-0 at Molineux, whilst Erling Haaland and summer arrival Rayan Cherki also got on the scoresheet.

(Credit: Imago)

After the Wolves match, Guardiola highlighted that this squad is too large and that trimming it down will be essential before the window shuts.

The Athletic [18 August] report that aside from goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and midfielder Kalvin Phillips, there is no clear indication as to which other players could leave the Etihad.

As exclusively revealed by Football Insider Leeds United are interested in a deal to re-sign Phillips, whilst City are happy let Ortega leave the club following the acquisition of Trafford.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

The Athletic state that “for the right price” defender Manuel Akanji or midfielder Mateo Kovacic could also be candidates to depart despite their respective ages potentially making “it difficult to find buyers.”

Akanji was an unused substitute in the win over Wolves, whilst Kovacic did not feature due to injury.

Guardiola wants to decrease the size of his squad.

When everyone is back fit, Guardiola will be forced to leave stars out of his match day squad, making player management essential.

Limiting frustrations over playing time in the squad would be handy for Guardiola and the likes of Kovacic and Akanji would want to be first-team starters.

City have spent plenty in midfield due to the absence of Rodri for much of last season meaning Kovacic’s place in the team is uncertain this campaign.

Apperances88Goals10Assists4Kovacic’s Man City stats in all competitions.

Ruben Dias and John Stones were preferred at centre-back over Akanji and Guardiola still has Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov in reserve.

It suggests letting Kovacic and Akanji leave would not harm City and on the basis of their performance at Wolves, Guardiola’s side will be back challenging for the Premier League title this season.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.