**Man City manager Pep Guardiola says the first-team squad is still in flux ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday evening.**
Speaking in his pre-match press conference before the Brighton fixture, Guardiola suggested supporters will only discover his strongest XI after the international break:
“In this part of the season, before the transfer window is closed, everything is possible. After that, when we play United, Champions League, Arsenal, everything will be more clear.”
“It’s not just the keepers. It’s the players. We have a long squad and people might leave with transfers, and we have to accept it.”
Guardiola wants to reduce the size of the first-team squad
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The City boss has publicly stated on more than one occasion that he is not happy about senior players being left out for matchdays.
Guardiola is keen to have a tighter-knit group of players to prevent discontent seeping into the squad due to a lack of playing opportunities.
He has confirmed that Director of Football Hugo Viana is working hard to fulfil his wishes.
Who could leave Man City over the next few days?
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Several players are heading to the exit door. Manuel Akanji appears to be the likeliest player to be sold currently, with AC Milan, Tottenham and Galatasaray [**battling**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-transfer-news-manuel-akanji/) for the Swiss international’s services.
Ederson is also on the chopping block but a lot hinges on whether any team will meet the club’s €25m (£22m) asking price before the transfer window shuts. The Brazilian’s future is set to have a bearing on whether PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma is signed as well.
Savinho now looks like he will be staying at the Etihad Stadium. The Cityzens are not prepared to sanction his departure after his potential replacement, Rodrygo, decided to remain at Real Madrid.
[**Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://mancitynews.com/manchester-city-first-team-squad/)