Former Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge has warned that Pep Guardiola’s side could struggle to replace stars who leave them this summer.
City enjoyed arguably their most successful season ever in 2022/23, as Guardiola guided his players to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
However, Guardiola’s squad could look rather different once the new campaign begins.
Ilkay Gundogan left at the end of his contract despite the club’s best efforts to convince him to stay, opting instead to join Barcelona as a free agent.
Riyad Mahrez followed him out of the door by joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a £30m move.
Kyle Walker could be the third senior player to depart the treble winners this summer, as he is keen on joining Bayern Munich.
The 33-year-old full-back has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga champions, although the two clubs have not reached an agreement over a move.
Bernardo Silva’s future is – as seems to be the case every summer – uncertain, with the 28-year-old keen to play in a warmer climate.
Then there are Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo, two players who City want to offload but are struggling to do so.
Mateo Kovacic is City’s only summer arrival so far, although the Blues are hoping to soon complete the signing of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
Bridge gives City warning
Despite the success of last season and the squad upheaval, Bridge does not foresee motivation being an issue for City.
“You’ll always have the motivation because you always hate losing,” he told The Mirror.
“You lose the first game and you want to go out there and win again, so you’ll always have that motivation.”
However, the former City left-back warned that if several players leave and are replaced, then City might lose a bit of rhythm.
“But one or two players going, sometimes it affects the players that are already there and thinking ‘can I fill his shoes?’
“Then it’s who do you bring in, They might look like the right players [but] they take time to settle.”
