Why Manchester City are facing a rebuild right after winning a treble?
Manchester City began their pre-season with a 5-3 win against Japanese side Yokohoma F Marinos. Guardiola's men were slow off the blocks, playing for the first time since completing the treble in June. However, they were quick to find their goal-scoring touch and ended the game with five goals in the bag.
As City prepare their season of title defense in England and Europe, there are some visible gaps in the squad. They have already parted ways with club captain and clutch player Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
The club has also given Riyad Mahrez permission to miss their pre-season tour to speak to Saudi club Al-Ahli over a possible exit. The futures of Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker are not certain either.
City have signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and are reportedly close to completing the signature of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. However, both players will possibly take time before they can add their worth to the City team.
So, without further ado, let's analyze why Manchester City are facing a rebuild in terms of the business they have done in the summer transfer window.
Gundogan was always likely to join Barcelona at the end of the season. His contract at City was up and despite insistence from the club, he was not looking to stay. He was also looking for a new challenge and Barcelona seemed like the perfect opportunity for him.
His departure has left a giant hole in Manchester City's midfield. Gundogan finished with 18, 16 and 22 goal contributions in his last three seasons at the club. More importantly, he had a habit of coming up with vital goals towards the business end of the season.
He scored two goals against Manchester United in FA Cup final this season to guide City to a
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