Pep Guardiola’s decision to sign a new contract at Manchester City will have huge ramifications for a number of his star players.
The Spaniard’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season and there were rumours he would leave the Etihad after this campaign. But the 53-year-old has agreed to a one-year extension, with an option of an additional 12 months.
It is thought the Premier League champions will make an official announcement in the coming days. And while City are expected to splash more cash next summer on new signings, some of those already at the Etihad might also want to hang around now Guardiola is staying.
READ MORE: Mia Khalifa slams rumours of ‘affair with ex-Premier League star Julian Alvarez’ in odd 9/11 post
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola to stay at Manchester City after agreeing new deal
City are currently on a four-game losing streak in all competitions and lie second in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool. So there is plenty of work to be done for Pep and his players in the coming weeks.
Here, Daily Star Sport takes a look at what Guardiola’s decision to stay in Manchester could mean for key City superstars.
Kevin De Bruyne
(Image: Getty Images)
The Belgium midfielder’s contract runs out at the end of this season and he flirted with going to the Saudi Pro League last summer.
But he will be buoyed knowing Guardiola is staying, and remains one of the Spaniard’s biggest allies at the club.
De Bruyne will turn 34 before the start of next season and continues to suffer injuries, but Guardiola will want him to stay.
And City’s hand has now been strengthened by the fact Guardiola is going nowhere.
Kyle Walker
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
The veteran defender signed a new deal in 2023 that keeps him at City until 2026.
He rejected a move to Bayern Munich last summer, and has no intention of leaving City while Guardiola is still running the show.
Like De Bruyne, he has a close relationship with Guardiola, and could now see out the remainder of his career with the English champions.
Ederson
(Image: Getty Images)
The Brazilian goalkeeper came close to leaving City at the end of last season, and was a target of a host of Saudi clubs.
He remains City’s undisputed No.1, but could now re-negotiate a new deal, with his current one running until 2026.
Ilkay Gundogan
(Image: Getty Images)
The German international only agreed to return to City from Barcelona because of Guardiola.
Two seasons ago, the midfield playmaker was the heartbeat of a City side which won the Treble.
He will be out of contract in June, but remains one of Guardiola’s favourite players and could now be persuaded to sign a 12-month extension.
Jack Grealish
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
He might have cost City a British record £100m, but Grealish could be one of the most high profile victims of Guardiola’s decision to stay.
Grealish has struggled to make a significant impact since joining City, and continues to be frustrated by his lack of game time.
To make matters worse, there is growing concern within the club about Grealish’s lifestyle away from the pitch.
There could well be a parting of ways next summer, with Grealish keen to secure more game time to boost his chances of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Don’t miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that’s it, job done. You’ll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
John Stones
(Image: Getty)
Stones has a contract until 2026 and would be reluctant to leave City.
But his game time under Guardiola is becoming more and more limited, while Stones remains injury prone.
City have enough defensive options to cope without him.
Bernardo Silva
Like Stones, Silva has a deal which runs until 2026 and he remains crucial to Guardiola’s plans for more success.
The Portuguese international is one of Guardiola’s favourite and most reliable players.
Don’t be surprised to see Silva stay put for the duration of Guardiola’s time with City. He could even pen a new deal.