The Big Reset: What’s Next for Man City After a Trophyless Season?

Third place in the league and early exits from the FA Cup and Champions League aren’t a collapse—but for City, it’s a clear step back. With key departures and squad gaps exposed, this summer feels pivotal. Pep downplays a major overhaul, but signs point to big changes. Here’s a look at what went wrong, who’s leaving, and what City need to fix.

Where It All Went Wrong

There wasn’t one single cause behind City’s slump; it was more a chain reaction.

• Rodri’s injury early in the season left a gaping hole in midfield. City lost rhythm, control, and structure without him.

• Kevin De Bruyne, though still brilliant in moments, couldn’t sustain his usual dominance across the season.

• Phil Foden, last year’s Premier League MVP, struggled for consistency. His dip in form became a big talking point.

• Erling Haaland put up strong numbers (21 goals and three assists), but even he went through quiet spells.

• Meanwhile, Jack Grealish faded from view. Just seven league starts, and left on the bench for the FA Cup Final. That felt like a final statement from Pep.

Pep’s rotation didn’t help—112 starting XI changes, third-most in the league. It felt less like control, more like searching for answers.

No Trophy, No Panic, But Change Is Coming

To be clear, this wasn’t a total implosion. City still secured Champions League qualification and ended the season third. But the standards they’ve set over the past decade demand more.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admitted the club misjudged last summer’s transfer window:

“We probably should have been more aggressive… that ended up costing us this year.”

That tone has now shifted. Business is already underway, and the rebuild that began in January is expected to continue swiftly.

Stake.com, one of the biggest platforms for football followers and bettors alike, has already seen shifting odds and speculation on City’s summer plans. You can have some great fun betting on the transfer market throughout the summer!

Guardiola's Inner Circle Shaken Up

Pep is staying, and he's staying committed. But his backroom staff is getting a major shake-up.

Carlos Vicens is leaving to become the head coach at Braga.

Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez have also departed following the end of their contracts.

Three long-time assistants are gone. Pep downplays it, but such changes are rare and hint at a behind-the-scenes refresh.

“Of course, new faces will come,” Guardiola said. “But I don’t think a lot. We have a good squad.”

Even if he says the rebuild won’t be massive, the indicators tell a different story.

Saying Goodbye to a Legend

Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell is the most significant change on the pitch. Former City legend Sergio Aguero has spoken about how much of a miss he’ll be.

In Stake’s exclusive interview with Aguero, he said:

“Among the very best, he's up there on the podium. After City took its first Premier League in 44 years, Kevin was what the team needed to make that jump into the best of Europe.”

There’s no perfect way to replace a player like De Bruyne. He’s been City’s heartbeat, their architect, and their guarantee of quality in the final third.

The club reportedly passed on a move for Florian Wirtz due to the high price, and while names like Morgan Gibbs-White are floating around, no clear successor has emerged yet.

Aguero shared his thoughts on the Nottingham Forest midfielder: “Gibbs-White is an interesting player. That is, if he can adapt while giving continuity to the type of performance he had at Forest. I'm sure he has the caliber to pull that off though.”

City may need a stop-gap solution before a long-term replacement is identified. One option floating in fan circles, though not confirmed, is the idea of bringing back Cole Palmer. But as Aguero said, “I think we should wait to see the full picture. It doesn't really pay off to mull on fictitious scenarios.”

Young Blood Rising

Even in a difficult season, there were glimpses of the future.

Claudio Echeverri made his debut in the FA Cup final and didn’t look out of place. “He had a lot of personality,” Aguero noted. “That showed even on a high-stakes debut.”

Nico González, signed in January from Porto, is seen as one who can play alongside or cover Rodri.

Omar Marmoush was another standout January arrival. His goal against Bournemouth turned heads, and Aguero believes the signs are promising:

“He's quick, hard to keep a mark on, and has amazing crosses. And he can score for sure.”

González, Marmoush, and Echeverri might not be the core of next season’s squad, but they’re certainly part of the vision.

What's Going On With Grealish?

Jack Grealish is a big problem for City right now.

Grealish played just 700 league minutes, missed big games, and was left out of the FA Cup Final. At 29, he’s no longer the impact player City hoped for. If a buyer is found, a move makes sense.

Midfield Problems Exposed

City’s midfield depth was exposed when Rodri got injured. Phillips, Nunes, and Kovacic fell short—Pep even called Nunes “not clever enough.” The rebuild hasn’t worked. That’s why they’re eyeing Reijnders and why Nico González matters. City need players who truly fit Pep’s system.

What's the Plan Up Front?

Erling Haaland looks to be going nowhere. Despite some patches of injury and inconsistency, he still delivered 24 goal contributions.

But he needs help. Marmoush may grow into that partner, but right now, too many of City’s wide players are hit-and-miss.

• Doku and Savinho are exciting but inconsistent.

• Foden likes to drift in from wide rather than operating as a pure creator.

• Grealish looks like he’s out the door.

City needs balance: width with purpose, not just tricks and flicks.

And that raises a big question: Is it time to change the way they attack? Guardiola insists he still “loves wingers,” but the current mix isn’t delivering.

Man City’s Summer Signings - Who Could Be Coming In?

After a trophyless season, City’s plan is clear: trim the squad and add key pieces. Romano says six targets are already lined up.

Here’s a look at who might be joining the blue side of Manchester:

Midfield Reinforcements

Tijjani Reijnders – Central Midfield

Reijnders, a standout at AC Milan, is City’s top midfield target. With De Bruyne leaving and depth issues clear, it’s a priority. He fits Pep’s style: energetic, mobile, and smart on the ball.

Morgan Gibbs-White – Attacking Midfield

Gibbs-White, on City’s radar since April, impressed at Forest with creativity, versatility, and Premier League experience. He could help fill the De Bruyne-sized gap in City’s attack.

Rayan Cherki – Versatile Attacker

City like Lyon’s Cherki—a bold, creative 20-year-old open to an England move. He fits their push for younger, more versatile talent, like Marmoush and González.

Defensive Targets

Tino Livramento – Right-back

City are eyeing Livramento, but Newcastle’s Champions League spot makes a deal tough. They won’t sell cheap. Still, Guardiola wants a natural right-back, and Livramento fits the bill.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – Left-back

At Wolves, Ait-Nouri has shown consistent growth and caught the eye of City’s recruitment team. Signing a true left-back would allow Pep to stop shuffling the likes of Nunes and Lewis into full-back roles.

Goalkeeper

Diogo Costa – Porto

City are targeting a new keeper, with Costa a top option. But first, the squad needs trimming—up to ten players could leave, says ex-adviser Borson. With a leaner squad in mind and the Club World Cup coming, expect early moves.

Club World Cup on the Horizon

The rebuild timeline is tight. City are gearing up for the Club World Cup, with little rest and high stakes. It’s their first run in the new format, and prep is already in motion.

“I hope City do well,” Aguero said, though he acknowledged the difficulties: “Players will be arriving in the post-season, with very little downtime... the teams with the best physical condition might have an edge.”

This isn’t just a chance to win another trophy. It’s a test of depth, fitness, and tactical adaptation.

What Do the Fans Want?

This rebuild is a test of trust. Fans remain patient, but they expect ambition, smart spending, and a squad with clear direction.

And yes, they’re watching closely: on forums, in the stands, on every soccer betting site. Who are they favourites to sign? Who’s on their way out? This summer isn’t just about new signings—it’s about shaping the next chapter.