Man City's surprising transfer plans for Pep Guardiola's 'final season' in charge emerge and nobody saw it coming

Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the season if reports are to be believed, and the club are reportedly considering a huge shift in transfer strategy.

Guardiola lifted his sixth Premier League crown in May as City fended off a title challenge from Arsenal to become the first side to top the standings four years in a row.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires in June 2025 and the ex-Barcelona manager has already hinted this year may be his last after watching long-term rival Jurgen Klopp depart Liverpool at the end of last season.

He said after City’s title triumph: “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club - my feeling is that I want to stay now.

“I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years - we will see.”

With Guardiola confirming he will remain at the Etihad Stadium for at least one more year, the club will turn their attention to the summer window and look to maintain their dominance over English football.

However, according to ESPN, City are prepared to head into the new season with the exact same squad that lifted the title last year and might not make a major signing to aid Guardiola’s efforts unless a player asks to leave the club.

The report adds that unless a player asks to leave and their valuation is met by another club, City are content with the players they have in their ranks and see no reason to dip into the transfer market.

Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ederson have all been linked with summer exits amid interest from Spain and Saudi Arabia but it’s believed none of the trio have indicated they want to depart.

Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have both been linked with an exit (Getty)

City were expected to revive their interest in West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer before he was hit with an FA charge over alleged betting offences that could end his footballing career and any chances of a move to Manchester.

Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes has also been heavily linked with a move to the champions but suitors would need to trigger his £100m release clause that expires at the end of June.

Both Joao Cancelo and Kalvin Phillips are expected to leave the club during the summer window.