Manchester City’s final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa could signal more than the end of another campaign. It may also represent the closing moments of one of the most successful periods in English football history.
After nearly a decade in charge, Pep Guardiola is preparing to step away from the Etihad Stadium, bringing an extraordinary chapter to a close.
Under the Spaniard, City transformed into a dominant force, collecting six Premier League crowns, multiple domestic trophies and, most memorably, the Champions League title in 2023 as part of a historic treble-winning season.
Although attention on Sunday will largely focus on Guardiola’s farewell, several familiar faces within the squad could also be making their last appearance in a City shirt. A summer rebuild appears likely as the club look towards a new generation.
Among those whose futures remain uncertain is club captain Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder is one of the confirmed departures and could bring the curtain down on a remarkable spell in Manchester by making his 460th appearance for the club.
Silva has been one of Guardiola’s most trusted players during the manager’s reign, admired for his technical ability, relentless work rate and versatility across midfield and attack.
Since arriving from Monaco in 2017, he has played a central role in nearly every major success City have enjoyed.
Another long-serving figure who could depart is John Stones. Signed from Everton during Guardiola’s first summer in charge, the defender developed into one of the most important components of City’s tactical evolution.
Comfortable stepping into midfield and capable of playing out from the back, Stones became symbolic of Guardiola’s modern approach to defending.
Injuries, however, have disrupted his latest campaign, restricting the England international to only 17 appearances in all competitions.
The 31-year-old could make his 295th appearance for City against Villa, though reports suggest he may seek a fresh challenge after a decade at the club.
Forward Omar Marmoush also faces uncertainty over his future. After making a bright start following his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt midway through last season, the Egypt international has struggled to consistently reproduce that form this term.
Marmoush has scored eight goals in 36 appearances across all competitions and has largely been used from the bench in recent league matches.
Despite his ability to provide depth in attack, City could decide to move him on if suitable offers arrive during the transfer window.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic is another player entering an important stage of his City career. Since joining from Chelsea in 2023, Kovacic has offered experience and composure in midfield, contributing significantly during his first two seasons at the club.
This campaign, though, has been heavily disrupted by injury problems. The Croatian has made only eight appearances and recently returned to the starting line-up against Bournemouth after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
With only one year remaining on his contract after this season, City may consider this summer their final realistic opportunity to receive a transfer fee for the 32-year-old.
Uncertainty surrounding key figures as rebuild looms
Perhaps the most surprising name linked with a possible exit is Rodri. Widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football, Rodri has been central to City’s dominance in recent years.
The Spaniard’s influence was recognised globally when he won the Ballon d’Or two years ago, underlining his importance both domestically and in Europe.
His calmness in possession and tactical intelligence have made him one of Guardiola’s indispensable players.
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Injuries limited his involvement earlier this season, though he has since returned and featured in 21 league matches. Even so, uncertainty remains because his current contract is approaching its final year.
Interest from Real Madrid has fuelled speculation that the midfielder could be tempted by a move back to Spain.
Any departure would represent a major shift for City given Rodri’s influence at the heart of the side.
Defender Nathan Ake is another player whose future is yet to be fully resolved. Since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020, Ake has become known for his reliability and versatility, capable of operating both centrally and at left-back.
This season, however, he has found regular starting opportunities harder to secure. The emergence of Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov as an effective centre-back partnership has pushed the Dutchman further down the pecking order.
Although Ake has played 31 times across all competitions, only five of those appearances have come as league starts.
