The Telegraph's analysis of the Etihad dressing room identified a group of players either confirmed as leaving, likely to depart or under genuine consideration for sale. Confirmed departures include Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has been linked with Juventus and Barcelona, and England centre-back John Stones, who announced he will leave at the end of the season.
Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji will not return from his loan at Inter Milan — the Italian champions triggered his €15million purchase option following their Serie A title win. Spain midfielder Rodri, who is recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for most of the season, has been offered a contract extension but is weighing it alongside reported interest from Real Madrid.
Goalkeeper James Trafford, signed before Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival fundamentally changed the club's goalkeeping hierarchy, is expected to leave with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all interested. Netherlands defender Nathan Aké, under contract until 2027, is also a potential departure with Barcelona monitoring the situation.
Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovačić enters the final year of his contract and will not be retained. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who arrived from AC Milan last summer, has lost his starting place and could be sold if a suitable offer arrives or a stronger alternative is signed. Brazilian winger Savinho, protected from a Tottenham move last summer by Guardiola personally, is now available for sale.
England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, described by The Telegraph as one of the worst signings of the Abu Dhabi era, is on loan at Sheffield United having played only three matches due to injury and suspension. City will attempt to sell him again. England winger Jack Grealish, with one year remaining on his contract, is the subject of concrete discussions with Everton over a permanent deal.
In midfield, young Argentine Claudio Echeverri, Norwegian Sverre Nypan and Trinidad and Tobago international Max Alleyne may all be loaned out. Brazil defender Vítor Reis, currently on loan at Girona, is the exception — he is expected to remain in England next season.
Guardiola's own future casts a shadow over everything. His contract runs to June 2027 but English football's consensus is that he could leave this summer. Whether he stays or goes will determine which players follow — and which are asked to stay.