Ilkay Gundogan in a Man City shirt alongside Pep Guardiola thinking
(Credit: Imago)
James Murray
Wed 27 August 2025 7:00, UK
Ilkay Gundogan could be one of three stars to quit Manchester City before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Man City are aiming to accelerate player sales after Pep Guardiola made it clear he wants to trim his squad this summer.
The Catalan boss has been forced to leave multiple players out of his matchday squad, with the likes of Gundogan and Manuel Akanji not included for the defeat against Tottenham on 23 August.
Gundogan and Akanji have both been linked with Galatasaray in recent weeks as speculation continues around their future at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have spent around £150million on new signings this summer, having added Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Sverre Nypan and James Trafford to their squad.
Pep Guardiola Man City looking serious in a white shirt in the middle of the photo
Pep Guardiola is looking to trim his squad before the transfer window closes (Credit: Imago)
Man City turn attention to player sales
This article contains exclusive comment fromStefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Nathan Ake has been linked with a Man City exit, but the defender could now still have a role to play at the Etihad.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
The 30-year-old came off the bench to replace the injured Ait-Nouri in the defeat against Tottenham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “The squad’s huge.
“I mean, when you saw the first game against Wolves, City were without Rodri, Foden and Gvardiol, and yet you still had players coming off the bench that you have sort of forgotten about.
“Then you looked at the bench and said, well, Akanji and Ake. Those two and Gundogan all stayed on the bench.
“You’ve got the three I’ve just mentioned that weren’t even in the matchday squad and then on top of that, neither Ederson nor Savinho were in the matchday squad because of their transfer situations.
“The squad is clearly oversized and Pep said as much. I think the Akanji, Ake, Gundogan type rumour would be expected. I would think City will try and offload maybe two of those three.
“I don’t know how feasible it is.”
Pep Guardiola Man City
Pep Guardiola is looking to challenge for the Premier League title again this season (Credit: Imago)
Manuel Akanji could reject Man City exit offer
Football Insider revealed on 22 August Akanji could reject a move to Galatasaray as he would prefer to remain part of Guardiola’s squad.
This comes after the 30-year-old defender disputed claims from Fabrizio Romano a deal was close to being agreed for his transfer, throwing his situation into uncertainty.
The Switzerland international has made 136 appearances for Man City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us onFacebook or join our brand newWhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts