The Pep Guardiola era is coming to an end: Phil Foden and other Man City stars risk leaving.
Pep Guardiola's departure from Etihad at the end of the season not only ended a successful decade but also cast uncertainty over the futures of Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and other key players.
The news that Pep Guardiola will be leaving his position as Manchester City manager at the end of this season has created a real earthquake in English football. During his decade at Etihad, the Spanish strategist not only brought in 20 titles but also built a tightly-knit team around his personal philosophy.
Pep's departure leaves a huge power vacuum and signals a complete squad overhaul. Here are five stars who are likely to follow their manager out of the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The pillars stand at the threshold of departure.
Josko Gvardiol: The Iron Shield is Shaking
Despite his natural talent, Gvardiol is gradually losing his untouchable status as Man City have brought in players like Marc Guehi and Khusanov, not to mention the rise of young talent Nico O'Reilly on the left flank. Currently, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are closely monitoring the Croatian center-back's every move. If the new coach cannot guarantee him a regular starting place, Gvardiol's departure is a very likely scenario.
Tijjani Reijnders: Finding himself again in Serie A?
Once a key player in Pep Guardiola's plans, costing €55 million, Reijnders' status at Etihad has plummeted dramatically in the second half of the season. With only one start in his last 12 Premier League matches, the Dutch international's future looks uncertain. Juventus is emerging as a potential destination to salvage the career of the former AC Milan star.
Omar Marmoush: A failure to adapt
Marmoush joined Man City for a fee of €75 million in January 2025 but has failed to adapt to the intensity of English football. With the presence of Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo, the Egyptian striker's playing opportunities have significantly decreased. Man City may choose to cut their losses early as both Barcelona and Dortmund are showing interest in the player.
James Trafford: A victim of the goalkeeping problem.
Trafford is perhaps the most disappointed player this season. Brought in with the promise of being the starting goalkeeper, the last-minute signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma has relegated him to the bench for an extended period. With only 8% of his games starting, Trafford is likely to join Brighton or Aston Villa in search of a better chance to prove himself.
Phil Foden and the question of the new system.
The most shocking name on this list is Phil Foden. Despite being an icon of the team, the "golden boy's" future has always been tied to Pep Guardiola's protective system and tactical approach. With the Spanish coach's departure, Foden may face a new philosophy that demands a different level of tenacity and consistency.
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are ready to roll out the red carpet for Foden if he feels he is no longer central to his post-Guardiola projects. The loss of the mentor who guided him from the beginning could be the catalyst for the English star to consider a new challenge outside the Premier League.
