Just 24 days after wrapping up their 2024–25 Premier League campaign, Manchester City are back in action—this time kicking off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

Despite a disappointing previous season, club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists this tournament marks a fresh start, not a continuation of last year’s struggles. For Pep Guardiola and his team, it’s a chance to reset and defend the world title they last won in Saudi Arabia two years ago.

Guardiola Eyes a Global Statement

“This World Cup is a great opportunity for us to come together and show the world who we are, through the sport we love,” Guardiola said ahead of the tournament. “Fans from across continents, coming together—it’s what football should be about.”

Now expanded to 32 teams, the Club World Cup is being positioned by FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the beginning of a “new era” in football—and the same can be said for City.

Squad Rebuild Signals Major Change

Manchester City have already spent over £100 million to reshape the squad ahead of the tournament, with Moroccan champions Wydad AC their first opponents in Philadelphia.

Last season was City’s most underwhelming in nearly a decade: no major trophies, a third-place league finish, an early Champions League exit, and an FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola has responded decisively.

Club legend Kevin De Bruyne has departed, and the midfield has been overhauled. Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders arrived from AC Milan for £43 million, while French talent Rayan Cherki joined from Lyon for £30.45 million.

Rodri and Oscar Bobb are also back from long-term injuries, offering a boost in midfield. Meanwhile, the £31 million signing of Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves gives City their first specialist left-back since Benjamin Mendy.

“I’m really happy with the quality of the new signings,” said winger Savinho. “They’re fitting in well and it’s exciting to see how quickly they’re adapting. I can’t wait to share the pitch with them.”

Depth Comes With Dilemmas

City’s recruitment drive hasn’t stopped. Since January, they’ve added Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and River Plate’s highly-rated Claudio Echeverri—nine signings in total this year.

The influx underscores City’s ambition, but also raises questions. Guardiola has publicly said he doesn’t want an oversized squad, yet 34 players are currently listed in the first team.

Several players—including Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, Echeverri, Rico Lewis, and Jack Grealish—were left out of matchday squads late last season. City’s 27-man Club World Cup squad notably excludes Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, and Grealish, all of whom appear to be heading for the exit—if transfers can be arranged.

Guardiola remains clear: “I don’t want a squad of 24, 25, or 26 when everyone is fit.” Hard decisions are inevitable.

Bernardo Silva Stays—and Leads

One player staying put is Bernardo Silva, who has been named club captain. Entering the final year of his contract, Silva addressed speculation around his future.

“I’ve had options in the past, and again this year,” he said. “But just like last year, I’ve chosen to stay at Man City.”