Manchester City’s summer transfer plans could involve the departure of several prominent players, as the club looks to make significant changes following a challenging 2024/25 campaign. With certain players struggling to maintain their best form, it appears the club is ready to make bold decisions that could alter the composition of their squad in the near future.
One of the most notable names potentially on the move is Jack Grealish. The England international, who made a high-profile move to the Etihad from Aston Villa, has failed to live up to the expectations set by his hefty price tag. Over the course of the 2024/25 season, Grealish has found himself largely on the periphery, starting only six Premier League matches. This lack of impact in the starting XI has led Manchester City to consider parting ways with the 28-year-old, despite his previous success with the club. His inconsistency in recent months, coupled with the rise of other attacking talents, suggests that Grealish may be on his way out as City look to refresh their squad.
Another key player whose future is uncertain is John Stones. The English defender has been a mainstay in the Manchester City lineup for several seasons, but with the club’s recent investment in two promising central defenders—Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov—his place in the starting defense could be under threat. Manchester City made a significant financial commitment during the winter transfer window to bring in these young players, and their arrival suggests that the club is focusing on the future. Stones, who has struggled with injuries at times, could find himself surplus to requirements as City looks to move forward with fresh faces in the defensive ranks. The possibility of Stones leaving the Etihad could pave the way for Reis and Khusanov to settle into the first-team setup.
The most surprising of the potential exits, however, involves Manchester City’s long-time goalkeeper, Ederson. Despite being one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football over the past few seasons, Ederson’s performances this year have been inconsistent. A series of high-profile mistakes, particularly in key moments during crucial matches, have raised doubts about his ability to continue as the undisputed No.1 at Manchester City. As a result, the club is reportedly prepared to make a change in goal. City are eyeing a potential replacement in the form of Joan Garcia, a young goalkeeper currently plying his trade at Espanyol. Garcia’s rise through the ranks of Spanish football has not gone unnoticed, and City’s interest in securing his services is becoming more apparent by the day. With Ederson’s future uncertain, it seems that Manchester City is ready to spend big to bring the highly-rated Garcia to the Etihad.
Joan Garcia has attracted significant attention from top European clubs, but it is Manchester City that is positioning itself to make a move this summer. Spanish outlet Defensa Central has reported that the Citizens are working hard to secure Garcia’s signature, keen to beat rivals Real Madrid to his services. Real Madrid has long been interested in Garcia, viewing him as a promising option for the future, but their current situation could hinder their ability to make a move. With Thibaut Courtois firmly established as their No.1 goalkeeper, and Andriy Lunin providing backup, Real Madrid is not in a position to make a bid for Garcia this summer. This has left the door open for Manchester City to capitalize on the opportunity, potentially luring the 23-year-old shot-stopper away from Spain to join their ranks.
The competition for Garcia’s signature is not limited to just Manchester City and Real Madrid. Arsenal also made a strong push to sign the Spain U21 international last summer. Mikel Arteta, who had been looking to bring in a reliable backup for David Raya, targeted Garcia as a potential addition to the Gunners’ squad. Arsenal reportedly agreed on personal terms with the goalkeeper but ultimately failed to come to a financial agreement with Espanyol over the transfer fee. This situation led Arsenal to opt for a loan move for Neto from Bournemouth, leaving Garcia still at Espanyol. Now, with Manchester City in the mix, it seems that the club could snatch the highly-rated goalkeeper from under Arsenal’s nose, and in doing so, deny them the opportunity to strengthen their squad.
The potential signing of Joan Garcia by Manchester City could have far-reaching implications, not only for the club’s future but also for their rivals. If City secures the Espanyol No.1, it would represent a significant blow to both Real Madrid and Arsenal. For Real Madrid, losing out on Garcia would be a missed opportunity to secure a long-term replacement for Courtois. For Arsenal, the failure to sign Garcia after having pursued him so vigorously last summer would be a reminder of the difficulties in securing top talent. Meanwhile, at Manchester City, a successful move for Garcia would signal the club’s intent to continue strengthening their squad in every department, particularly as they look to build for the future.
In conclusion, the summer transfer window at Manchester City is shaping up to be an eventful one, with the club seemingly ready to part ways with some key figures in order to refresh their squad. The potential departures of Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Ederson could create space for new talent, including Joan Garcia, who looks increasingly likely to join the club. Should Manchester City succeed in their pursuit of the young goalkeeper, it would mark the beginning of a new era in goal for the club, as they continue to invest in young, promising talent to build a squad capable of challenging for both domestic and European honors in the seasons to come.
