Pep Guardiola Confirms 2 Man City Exits

Pep Guardiola isn’t one to sugarcoat stuff. Typically, the Manchester City boss cut straight to the point. During a recent press conference, he said his squad is too big, and players will be leaving. Among those on their way out, two names stand out. Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker.

It is not easy letting go of experienced internationals, especially ones who’ve lifted Premier League and Champions League trophies. But Guardiola, given how successful he’s been, knows there’s no room for sentiment in a squad that’s stepping into a new era. His message was clear. There simply aren’t enough minutes to go around anymore.

‘Too Many Players’

Speaking ahead of City’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign, Guardiola didn’t hesitate to admit what many have been speculating for weeks, City’s squad is too large to manage. “We have – right now – a long squad, too many players,” he explained. “We cannot go with 26, 27 players this season.”

Guardiola understands the toll it takes on professionals when they’re left out week after week. So the decision isn’t just about tactics or quality alone, it has a bit of emotion to it. “The problem is they will be unhappy during the season,” he said. “They will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don’t want that.”

For a manager who has always emphasized unity and hunger, carrying six or seven frustrated players every matchday simply doesn’t fit the philosophy. He wants players who are involved, engaged, and valued, and for some, that may now mean finding new homes.

Grealish’s uncertain future

Jack Grealish’s situation regarding his exit has been coming for some time now. Just over two years ago, he was dancing down the left wing in the Champions League final. Now? He wasn’t even selected in City’s squad for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The omission raised eyebrows, and rightly so.

Once considered a player with match-winning qualities, Grealish struggled to assert himself this past season. Despite starting the campaign with high hopes, injuries and inconsistency meant he featured in just seven Premier League starts. Guardiola’s comments confirmed what many suspected. Jack is available, and his future lies elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean he’s lost Guardiola’s respect. Far from it. He still calls him “an exceptional player,” but emphasizes that Grealish needs to rediscover the hunger and rhythm that once made him unplayable. “He has to play,” Guardiola said. “To get the butterflies in the stomach again.”

Clubs across Europe are keeping an eye on the situation. In England, Everton, Tottenham, and Newcastle have all been linked. There’s also talk of a romantic return to Aston Villa, where his career took off. Abroad, Napoli and several Bundesliga clubs have reportedly shown interest. For now, all signs point to a summer move.

Walker’s Imminent Departure 

Kyle Walker’s story is slightly different. The veteran full back had already dipped his toes into life outside City, spending the second half of the 2024–25 season on loan at AC Milan. While the Italian side appreciated his experience, they decided not to exercise their option to make the deal permanent.

Guardiola hinted that Walker is now evaluating his options, with a full exit looking increasingly likely. “Step by step, maybe a few players are going to move,” Guardiola said when asked specifically about Walker and others like Kalvin Phillips and James McAtee.

Despite being 34, Walker still has plenty to offer. He remains a top athlete and brings a wealth of big-game experience. Reports suggest interest from Fenerbahçe and a possible return to the Premier League with Everton. One thing’s for sure. He won’t be short of offers.

It is worth noting that Walker had already asked to explore opportunities abroad at the start of the year, something Guardiola respected and allowed. While they’ve shared great success, both seem to understand that the time is right to part ways.

A Summer Of Change, Not Just New Faces

While all eyes are usually on who City might bring in during the transfer window, this summer feels different. Guardiola’s focus is also on trimming rather than stacking, considering they’ve welcomed a handful of new names and continue to develop young talent, the need to let go is as pressing as ever.

Even İlkay Gündoğan, now 34, was briefly the subject of speculation. But Guardiola was quick to reaffirm the German’s place in his plans: “Ilkay is absolutely part of my mind and the team.” Others like Kalvin Phillips and McAtee, however, may still be on the chopping block. The goal is not just about competition but about cohesion. Guardiola doesn’t want training sessions filled with disillusioned fringe players. He wants a leaner, hungrier group where everyone feels like they matter.

Final Thoughts

Watching Grealish and Walker leave won’t be easy for City fans. Both have been part of the club’s recent golden era, contributing to moments that will live forever in highlight reels and hearts. Walker’s departure carries more weight and emotion. The soon to be 35 year old is a certified City legend, and has been one of the best fullbacks in Premier League history. But Guardiola is building something new, and evolution requires sacrifice.

If there’s one thing Guardiola has shown throughout his career, it is a ruthless ability to refresh his squads before they go stale. Grealish and Walker might be heading out the door, but it’s not the end for them, just the start of a new chapter.