Fabrizio Romano claims Napoli tried to reunite £35m Man City star with Kevin De Bruyne last week

Pep Guardiola and Hugo Viana have begun efforts to reduce Manchester City's squad size following their early Club World Cup elimination by Al-Hilal in the Round of 16. This exit highlighted the need for restructuring as City prepare for the 2025/26 season.

The club made four summer signings—Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Bettinelli, and Tijjani Reijnders—before the tournament. However, multiple players now face potential departures, with Jack Grealish and James McAtee considered most likely to leave amid interest from Nottingham Forest.

Speculation surrounds goalkeeper Ederson, whose contract expires in 2026. Fabrizio Romano reports Napoli, acting on Antonio Conte's request, attempted to sign him last week but abandoned the move as "not feasible." This follows longstanding uncertainty about Ederson's future, with concerns he could depart on a free transfer like Kevin De Bruyne if not sold this summer.