Overview

• Pep Guardiola has formally told Manchester City leadership he will quit if the squad size remains too large, citing the emotional toll of leaving players out of matchday squads.
• The club currently has 28 first-team players, excluding four on loan, with a total valuation exceeding €1.3 billion, making it one of the most valuable squads in football.
• Guardiola emphasized his preference for a leaner roster, advocating the integration of academy players to cover injuries rather than maintaining an oversized senior squad.
• This ultimatum follows the club's first trophyless season since 2017, compounded by an injury-hit campaign and a costly January recruitment drive.
• City faces a pivotal summer rebuild, with Kevin De Bruyne confirmed to leave and other senior players likely to follow as the club adjusts to Guardiola's demands.