Manchester City’s summer transfer plans jeopardised by bombshell Pep Guardiola decision

Manchester City’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window could be impacted by Pep Guardiola’s future at the club.

The 53-year-old bid farewell to another historic campaign at Manchester City with an open top bus parade on Sunday evening to celebrate winning a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title, alongside clinching both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Thousands joined the the Blues’ first-team squad for the event in Manchester city centre despite Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup Final loss to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, as two first-half goals secured a surprise win for Erik ten Hag’s side in the all-Manchester clash.

The 1-2 FA Cup Final defeat, which was Manchester City’s first loss since December, thwarted the Sky Blues’ aim to become the first side to win the Premier League and FA Cup back-to-back, following last weekend’s title triumph against West Ham.

The loss in north London also potentially concluded Guardiola’s penultimate season in east Manchester, with the Catalan out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in 2025, having penned three contract extensions since moving from Bayern Munich in 2016.

Guardiola has won 17 trophies with Manchester City to date, although the 2024/25 season could be the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager’s last in England, with the chance for the Cityzens to win six pieces of silverware next season.

As well bidding to compete for the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and FA Community Shield, Manchester City will travel to the United States in 2025 to compete in the 32-team FIFA Club World.

The tournament in America next June could be Guardiola’s last, with Martin Blackburn reporting that the Catalan is set to depart Manchester City following the conclusion of the stateside competition.

The departure of Guardiola in 2025 could also have significant impacts for Manchester City in 2024, with the potential for the Blues’ summer transfer plans to hampered by the 53-year-olds exit in 12 months.

The Catalan’s potential departure is a ‘slight worry’ for club executives ahead of the transfer window according to The Sun, with the chance for the managerial uncertainty to impact recruitment ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Manchester City are expected to further bolster their squad amid the potential for a series of senior departures and the need to strengthen in midfield, with Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães linked as a potential target.

Guardiola could also look to strengthen in attack, as well as the potential for a new goalkeeper to be needed due to uncertainty surrounding the future’s of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega.