Manchester City

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BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague thinks Manchester City know Kevin De Bruyne is unable to have the same impact he once had and believes the midfielder could possibly retire once his contract at the club finishes.

Speaking on the latest Football Daily Euros League podcast about the Belgian, Balague said: "He's only 33, but for whatever reason he's got 20 minutes per game in him, even if he starts games, that's been recognised by Man City for a while.

"It's a sign for Man City that they fell asleep. Everyone will agree that they're still trying to get juice out of him and have a player that can win matches for them - that's not there anymore.

"It suggests everyone knows about that, he's not going to go to Italy, Spain, Germany. It will be the MLS or Saudi for him next if he doesn't retire.

"He's not stupid - the fact City haven't renewed his contract despite him considering the possibility of staying on is a sign of a player that has reached the top and can't go back to it anymore."

European football correspondent Kristof Terreur doesn't think retirement is an option for the 33-year-old, believing he has a big target.

"One thing he does have on his mind is the World Cup in 2026 - he wants to continue playing football, but all the juice is out of his body and he has become very injury prone, he said.

"He will pick a league [to play in] where there is less pressure and games where he might stay fit for the World Cup."

Listen to the full episode here

Manchester City have added Tottenham and Italy left-back Destiny Udogie, 22, to a shortlist of potential signings as they look to strengthen at full-back this summer. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

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We asked you to tell us the one thing - good or bad - that nobody is talking about at Manchester City, but really should be.

Here are some of your replies:

Ashley: City are going through a restructuring process involving the players, coaches and senior staff - but the major restructure is for Guardiola. He needs support around him more than ever. I've always felt the backroom staff needs an upgrade, as we never replaced Arteta, Maresca or Borrell. I just hope that the changes already announced, with Hugo Viana and possibly Fernandinho joining the team, are positive inclusions.

Brian: We are in changing times at City, so will Rodri remain at the club? If Pep Guardiola was to leave, would Rodri go with him? I think this would impact greatly on our future planning.

Rhiannon: How badly Ederson's performances have dipped this season, plus our goalkeepers in general not being good enough. A summer rebuild is needed, including getting rid of unnecessary players. Ideally Florian Wirtz would come in as De Bruyne's replacement and Diogo Costa as Ederson's replacement. If we sign the right players, we will be back in the title race.

Trevor: When is John Stones going to come back from injury and what is his future at City?

Seb: Ilkay Gundogan isn't what he used to be.

Callum: Due to the poor season we are having, pretty much everyone has already forgotten what Manchester City have achieved in the past five years and more. City still have the Club World Cup to go for. If we win that and the FA Cup, then I reckon it has been an alright season. It wouldn't have been the best, but not the worst.

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Kevin de Bruyne's first ever appearance for Manchester City came against Crystal Palace as a 25th-minute substitute in September 2015.

He has since been involved in 12 goals against the Eagles, only having a hand in more against Southampton in the competition (14).

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Manchester City academy player Kian Noble says "it would be brilliant" to win the FA Youth Cup for the second consecutive season, as he prepares for Thursday's semi-final against Watford.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Minay, Noble said: "Everyone knows how prestigious the tournament is, if we can win it for the second time it would be brilliant.

"It was our goal for the start of the season along with the league, it'd be a challenge but what an achievement it would be.

"I really think it's the biggest honour, the most prestigious honour. Everyone knows how big it is and how many good players have won the trophy - that's our real aim. Make sure we get past Watford and then it's onto the final."

The 18-year-old believes City is the ideal place for youngsters to learn their trade, and said: "It's the best club in the world to be at - how they approach everything.

"The amount of challenges and things set to keep improving, the academy director is brilliant at that. He wants us to strive every day to become the best version of ourselves.

"Does that mean at City? Not for all of us, it won't be, but certainly there's a goal and everyone can achieve that - the club and management staff are brilliant at that. People don't notice it and think there's a clear path, but there truly is a true structure and pathway for you."

One of Noble's coaches at the club is two-time Premier League winner Kolo Toure, and he says the Ivorian is "a brilliant" person to learn from.

"He's won everything, he's great - he works on the individual side, he was a top defender," added Noble. "I think 'what little nuances of the game can I get from him? What has he learnt that can help me?'

"That sort of stuff has been great, he's been great for my development.

"The intensity and energy he brings to every game, he's won the Premier League, but he's still shouting and getting the energy up every game, he's brilliant. His depth and knowledge of the game working under great managers, it's been brilliant to soak up that information."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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It's going to be a very interesting next few months as Manchester City and the players will try and figure out what the future will look like individually and collectively.

I don't envision everybody leaving so it'll be interesting to see which players are keen to stay and which ones City decide to keep as well.

You have some players who've missed time with injury - like the likes of John Stones - but these are still pivotal characters, players and personalities within what City have achieved in recent years.

I would never say to offload people just because they have missed some time this year because a lot of players have missed game time this season.

Kevin De Bruyne announcing his departure is a big moment, and I'm sure it's not something he wanted to do but he wants to play more football.

You can't necessarily just replace some of the players who have been so influential for the club across those last few years so I can't think of people who you would say have to be leaving this summer.

The season will never finish for City because of the Club World Cup so it will be interesting to see how they approach it and whether they need new additions for it.

De Bruyne leaves a big hole so I don't think you'd want to be releasing too much talent of that level of influence from the football club if you want to be successful long term.

Some of the players who are out of contract this summer and next summer - Stones, Bernardo Silva, Ederson - are a big part of City's success over the last five, 10 years.

I don't think there is going to be a mass exodus and I don't think the club in a year's time is going to look completely different to what it looks like right now.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Manchester City look set to reignite their interest in 27-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, as they prepare for the departure of 33-year-old Kevin de Bruyne. (UOL esporte - in Portuguese), external

Manchester City are considering making an offer between 50-60m euros (£42-51m) for 26-year-old AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, despite him recently signing a new contract until 2030. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

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Manchester City still retain hopes of a trophy in 2024-25 thanks to their run to the FA Cup semi-final, while they remain in the race for Champions League qualification.

But you know your club best and we are looking for you to tell us one thing - good or bad - that nobody seems to be talking about in relation to Manchester City.

Let us know your thoughts here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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There is always a special anticipation for a derby game. Even when Manchester United and Manchester City are not at their best, the sparks should still be flying. Sadly not this time and although United are marooned at the other end of the table, it was they who deserved the three points, but only just.

There was something sad about watching Pep's men and comparing them with the fabulous dynamic sides of the past. I couldn't even criticise the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic for effort and pure ability but the brilliant flashes that were once regular from each, are much rarer now.

With an average age nearing 33, there was little chance that this midfield was going to run away from anyone. None are famously speedy box-to-box players anyway. At a push, you can get away with maybe one or two like that in the team, but an entire midfield of that age and style just can't work if you want to be the best of the best in the Premier League.

It was most evident when City tried to break with pace. There is an old phrase in football: "He looked like he was towing a caravan… through quicksand". Maybe harsh but the point is clear - the necessary dynamism has faded.

Both sides look like they need major revamping in the summer. Even though City could yet win the FA Cup and finish in the top four, I suspect they still need at least as much restructuring as their massively underachieving opponents across the city.

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Manchester City have announced a freeze on ticket prices for the upcoming season.

The club confirmed on Wednesday that general admission season ticket and Premier League match-by-match ticket prices will be frozen for the 2025-26 campaign.

The announcement comes after recent protests from fans following decisions to increase ticket prices and a new partnership with third-party ticket resale platform Viagogo.

In a statement, Manchester City said the decision comes after consultation with fan engagement programme City Matters.

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

United boss Ruben Amorim bounced between standing on the balls of his feet like a coiled spring and relentlessly pacing his technical area, constantly barking out instructions and only pausing to drink from his bottle or usher coach Carlos Fernandes forward for both attacking and defensive set-pieces.

Those were the only times he disappeared from the touchline, directing his players through almost every other element of the performance.

While less frenetic on his feet, counterpart Pep Guardiola was equally active - arms thrown wide, head bowed in frustration or whirling his hands to demand more from his players.

When United attacked, Guardiola regularly dropped to his haunches. Occasionally he would return to the dugout to swap thoughts with assistant Juan Manuel Lillo, but barely lasted a minute before coming to the side of the pitch again.

There was one nice moment when Guardiola showed a delicate touch to control a ball out of play, and Amorim touched his hand as a sign of commendation. From one cultured footballer to another, their mutual respect was also obvious in their embrace at the end.

See what all the other managers did

Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 25, is one of the options Manchester City are considering as a replacement for departing Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 33. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Ajax have sent scouts to watch Manchester City and England Under-18s midfielder Divine Mukasa, 17, although City plan to extend his contract. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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"Pep Out!" Come on..

In a season that has been full of some of the craziest moments and stories beyond belief at Manchester City - from Erling Haaland and his bout with "Moonbeam" the mascot, to Jack Grealish's jaunt up to the north east for a few pints with locals - the idea that "Pep Out" has become a topic of conversation tops the lot.

It is worth reminding that for all of the challenges, difficulties, injuries and declining standards in performance throughout the course of the season, Manchester City could yet end the season with Champions League qualification via a top-four finish and two pieces of silverware as an FA Cup semi-final awaits.

If you were to ask any Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham or perhaps even Arsenal fan at the start of the season whether they would deem a top-four finish plus an FA Cup and Community Shield success as a positive season, the vast majority would answer "yes" without hesitation.

Manchester City are merely a victim of their own astronomical success over the past seven years, and while it goes without saying that the standards have dropped substantially this season, the idea that Pep Guardiola has not earned the opportunity to rebuild this squad is an outstandingly bad take.

It is simultaneously as fair to suggest that Guardiola himself has had a torrid season on a personal note when it comes to some of his selection decisions and a seemingly unavoidable allegiance to ageing stars in his squad that have given him so much over the course of his Manchester City tenure.

The 54-year-old has also himself admitted that it was his call not to rebuild his side during the most recent summer transfer window - as originally planned by senior club officials. That in itself is an astonishingly bad decision, albeit in hindsight.

But Guardiola still remains the best manager of all-time in the eyes of the majority, and those sorts of figures must be trusted to go again. The very best and most successful in the game also have the best players - that is a fact. Guardiola simply does not have anywhere near the best players right now, and give him the keys to a rebuild and things may be very different.

Rebuild and things do not improve? Well, we could be talking about "Pep Out" in a more serious tone at some stage in the future. For now, trust a master at work. Things will improve.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discussed Jack Grealish's role in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City's side.

"I think Grealish has a certain freedom - in the final third, he can do what he likes," says former Premier League striker Chris Sutton.

Former City midfielder Michael Brown added: "It is all about the structure and the state of the players. Other players like [Jeremy] Doku have the license [to have freedom], [Kevin] De Bruyne had the license too because he could do special things. Grealish is in a structure, that's a fact."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport journalist

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We know Kevin de Bruyne is leaving Manchester City in the summer, but who else might be going - and who should stay?

"It feels like there are going to be big changes right through the squad," former City goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Sport.

"City fans must have watched Sunday's Manchester derby and been thinking they have no idea what the future will look like - right now, no-one does."

City's lack of physicality in midfield has been a key factor in their decline and it is the area of the team that could see the biggest overhaul.

A fit-again Rodri will surely return as the fulcrum of their side when he recovers from his long-term injury, but who will be alongside him is much less certain.

If there is an overhaul at Etihad Stadium, then it will be with new faces, rather than tactics.

Guardiola is never going to move away from a possession-based playing style and Given feels the old guard can no longer implement an important part of his gameplan.

"A big part of their success down the years under Pep was when they won the ball back quickly, high up the pitch, within a few seconds of losing it," Given said.

"They would peg teams back and not let them out but now teams are getting through them.

"That needs to be rectified. It's something that will come with fresh legs from the people coming in, but that won't solve all the problems City have, because any new signings have to be the highest quality too."

Whatever City's next step is, they will have a new voice shaping their transfer strategy. Txiki Begiristain is leaving in the summer with Hugo Viana replacing him as director of football.

"I am excited to see how he gets on at City but Txiki has left big boots to fill. For a long time City's transfers were brilliant, they hardly put a foot wrong," added Given.

"We are about to find out what Pep's masterplan is too and it will be fascinating to see how he does next season."

Read the full piece on City's probable rebuild