According to reports, those hoping Pep Guardiola would leave Manchester City after a disappointing season should temper their expectations. The Catalan coach not only has no plans to step down but has decided to fight to reclaim the Premier League title and rebuild his European standing next season.

As expected, the club has also pledged full support for him in the upcoming transfer window, which is expected to be highly eventful. With near-certain Champions League qualification and an FA Cup final against Nottingham Forest next Saturday at Wembley, Manchester City has already begun planning for next season and wants to act as quickly as possible.

Rebuilding Across All Positions

Guardiola’s project at the Etihad is set for a complete overhaul. The Catalan coach, whose contract has been extended until 2027, intends to make the most of the remaining two seasons by strengthening all areas of the squad. The primary goal is to compensate for the departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and address issues such as Rodri’s serious injury this season, which, along with a defensive crisis, repeatedly put City in difficult situations.

Hugo Viana, who has replaced Txiki Begiristain as the club’s sporting director, has a heavy workload ahead. He must first finalize the sales of players like Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva. The Manchester Evening News also claims that Máximo Perrone’s transfer to Como is in its final stages, with City expected to earn around €30 million from the sale.

Manchester City, which will compete in the Club World Cup in the U.S. next month, could field a very different team compared to the current season. The potential lineup is already taking shape.

Defensive Changes

City has entered the race to sign Juan García, Espanyol’s goalkeeper, who played a key role in Manolo González’s team’s survival in La Liga. The goalkeeper, also targeted by clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, is highly sought after by Guardiola.

With Ederson and Stefan Ortega’s contracts expiring in the summer of 2026, changes in the goalkeeping position are on the agenda. García could join the Etihad for around €25-30 million.

In defense, Manchester City is looking for a reliable right-back. With Kyle Walker aging, neither Rico Lewis nor Matheus Nunes has performed at City’s standard level. Guardiola has two options in mind: Wesley and Tino Livramento. The first would cost around €45 million, and the latter over €50 million.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City’s first choice is Flamengo’s Brazilian defender, and if that transfer falls through, they will turn to Newcastle’s player, an option with Premier League experience and high potential. If the club fails to sign either, Juventus’ Nicolò Savona is a serious contender. The common traits of all these players are youth, speed, bravery, and the ability to penetrate deep into opposition lines.

For the left-back position, Guardiola is eyeing Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso to move Guardiol to the center of defense. Cambiaso has previously been on City’s radar and is now expected to play a key role on the left flank. However, the Italian club’s asking price of €60 million is a major obstacle.

Two Gems in Midfield

In midfield, Guardiola wants to sign a complement to Rodri, with Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders as the primary target. The Dutch midfielder has shone at the Euros with his effort, technique, and attacking mindset, wearing Milan’s number eight. His price is likely to exceed €65 million.

But this amount pales in comparison to City’s final option to replace De Bruyne: Florian Wirtz. The German star is set to become a cornerstone of City’s new project alongside Haaland. However, signing him will require a hefty fee. Although reports suggested he had agreed to stay in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, Bild reports that City has made an official offer to Bayer Leverkusen, very close to the €150 million asking price.

Plan B for Wirtz

Wirtz’s contract with Leverkusen runs until June 30, 2027. Reports say the attacking midfielder has traveled to Manchester with his parents to meet Guardiola in person.

If the Wirtz transfer falls through, the alternative is Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who comes at a more reasonable price of around €30 million.

If City can sign all these players, Pep Guardiola’s team will compete for all domestic and international trophies next season. The first major test will be the Club World Cup in the U.S. Now, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola’s demands will materialize.