Man City hit by crisis as four Liverpool stars show them what’s missing
Pep Guardiola will be hellbent on regaining the Premier League title this season, but is there a major leadership crisis creeping up on him that could derail his hopes?
After a four-year reign of terror and six titles out of seven, City were finally dethroned by Liverpool last season, finishing trophyless for the first time since 2016/17 as they also lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
The Cityzens have been hard at work this summer, signing the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
However, some worries remain regarding Guardiola’s squad.
Man City’s growing leadership crisis
Man City finally said goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker this summer, with the pair leaving having made over 700 appearances for the club combined — winning numerous Premier League and domestic honours and a much-coveted Champions League title.
The exodus of experienced Man City players may not end there, either.
Ilkay Gundogan has just one year remaining on his deal and has attracted the attention of Galatasaray, with this likely City’s last chance to secure some kind of fee for the Germany international.
Defender John Stones has also been linked away from the Etihad after falling out of favour amid fitness issues — while Ederson‘s future looks uncertain and Jack Grealish is almost certain to leave.
If even just a couple of the quartet mentioned above were to depart, it would be a huge blow to the make-up of Guardiola’s side, which would be severely lacking in leadership — especially given Gundogan’s role as vice-captain and regular armband bearer.
Across the way in the title race, Liverpool have the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alisson and Andy Robertson around to offer supreme leadership and experience, while even younger stars like Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are now coming into seniority.
And while a much younger outfit, the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard at Arsenal have experienced an incredible amount for club and country, equipped to handle almost any eventuality.
As it stands, City have a squad stacked with know-how and seasoned professionals, but a few unexpected departures later, and the picture could be very different.
Jack Grealish nearing Man City exit
As mentioned, Grealish looks certain to leave City this summer after falling out of favour at the Etihad over the last couple of seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur might step up their interest following James Maddison’s injury, but Everton still seem a very likely candidate to land the 39-time England international.
In fact, club legend Alan Stubbs has even admitted to tapping up Grealish while the two were on a night out in Marbella this summer — perhaps trying to lend a hand to his old Everton boss David Moyes.
“To be honest, I had a night out with Jack in the summer over in Marbella,” said former Toffees centre-back Stubbs. “I tried my best to get him to Everton. I was telling him how much he’d be loved.
“He’d be an idol at Everton, the fans would really take to him.”
On how a Grealish/Everton partnership could benefit both parties, Stubbs added: “I just think from an Everton point of view, Jack Grealish needs to be loved again. I think he needs to start enjoying his football.
“And that’s not to say anything about Man City, what he’s done – he’s gone there, he’s won titles, he’s won trophies, but he’s not been the same Jack Grealish that we’ve seen at Villa, where he had the freedom to go and be himself.
“And I think David Moyes would give him that.
“I think he’d absolutely relish it at Everton, I really do. And I think we all want to see that Jack Grealish.
“Even if you’re a fan of any club, you’d all want to see the real quality players do well. And I think Jack Grealish has really gone off the boil in the last year, and it’s a shame to see.”