Guardiola’s Squad Hints at Future Plans…
Manchester City flew to Italy with 22 players for their friendly with Palermo. Notably, Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and Stefan Ortega have stayed home, preparing their departure from Etihad. Talks are ongoing for Grealish to join Everton on loan, while McAtee is busy swiping left and right through a Tinder-like queue of suitors from Nottingham Forest and beyond. Ortega, having slid down the depth chart thanks to newcomer James Trafford, is searching for a new nest to guard.
Rodri, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Claudio Echeverri also missed the trip due to fitness woes, prompting speculation about their readiness for the Premier League opener against Wolves. Rodri’s knee seems so precious that Pep Guardiola might consider hiring a 24/7 security service just for it. Newcomer Tijjani Reijnders could potentially demonstrate his wizardry in Rodri’s absence. City’s starting lineup will indicate Guardiola’s strategy for the upcoming domestic season, with competition fierce for spots across the board, including the battle royale at right back between Rico Lewis and Mathues Nunes.
