As Manchester City embark on their 2024/25 pre-season tour in the US, Pep Guardiola faces a depleted squad and numerous questions.
Pep Guardiola heads to the US with a pared-down squad and many uncertainties as Manchester City kicks off their 2024/25 pre-season tour. The last season concluded with Euro 2024 and the Copa America, but City is already looking ahead.
This Friday, City sets off for a four-game tour on the US East Coast, featuring headline players like Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish. However, most stars are missing, with only Croatian duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic from the Euros joining the tour.
It’s the first time since 2018 that City travels without most of their key players, leaving room for several youngsters to step up. As the tour begins, the focus will be as much on who isn’t there as on who is.
Transfer Watch and Guardiola Contract Update
Savio is expected to join City soon, but his Copa America commitments mean he won’t be on the tour. The future of Ederson is also in question amid Saudi interest, while Kevin De Bruyne’s openness to the Saudi Pro League adds another layer of intrigue. Guardiola is likely to address these topics and possibly his own contract status, which remains undecided.
Finding a Rodri Replacement
With Rodri on holiday after the Euros, Guardiola needs to find a stand-in defensive midfielder. Kovacic is a strong candidate, potentially alongside Rico Lewis. Youngsters Jacob Wright and Mahamadou Susoho have a chance to impress during the tour, especially with Rodri likely to miss the Community Shield and possibly the season start.
Youngsters to Watch
Wright, Susoho, and other academy players like Joel Ndala, Justin Oboavwoduo, Jaden Heskey, Tom Galvez, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, and Kian Noble will aim to make their mark. With Lewis and Oscar Bobb making their case in previous tours, there’s a significant opportunity for at least one youngster to shine.
McAtee’s Golden Chance
James McAtee, returning from two seasons at Sheffield United, has a chance to secure a role under Guardiola. With more games next season and a long-term need to replace De Bruyne, McAtee’s Premier League experience could be pivotal. A strong performance in the US could earn him a starting spot in the Community Shield.
Weather and Pitch Issues
Extreme weather and pitch conditions are a concern, as past tours have shown. Severe weather warnings and high temperatures are forecasted in North Carolina, New York, Orlando, and Columbus. Pitch quality, especially with games at College Football stadiums and Yankee Stadium, will be monitored closely.
Commercial Opportunities
The tour offers lucrative commercial opportunities, especially with stars like Haaland and Grealish. Events in each city and a pop-up shop in New York’s Rockefeller Center highlight City’s growing US presence. Ticket sales and commercial activities could attract nearly 250,000 fans across four games, potentially generating significant revenue, similar to last year’s £15m from the Japan and South Korea tour.
Manchester City’s US tour is not just about preparation but also a test of resilience and opportunity, both on and off the field.
