Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have confirmed a surprise inclusion in their brand new Premier League squad list for the 2025/26 season.
The surprise in question centres around Kalvin Phillips , who many expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer after struggling to cement a role under Pep Guardiola in previous attempts, and a largely unsuccessful loan campaign with Ipswich Town .
Injuries, form, and tactical preferences have all played a part in the England international's difficult City career so far, but despite transfer speculation and fitness concerns, he will remain part of Guardiola's plans – at least in the short term, and perhaps only on paper.
Kalvin Phillips underwent Achilles surgery back in May and subsequently missed all of pre-season, fuelling talk of a potential exit before the window closed, with the likes of Leeds United, Lyon, and other clubs across Europe linked with a move.
No such transfer materialised, leaving Manchester City with a decision to make regarding his squad status. The inclusion of the 29-year-old in the official list signals that Pep Guardiola may be prepared to offer him another opportunity in the first half of the campaign.
City's squad has also highlighted their flexibility, with several high-profile younger names excluded from the senior list due to under-21 eligibility, allowing Guardiola to keep his options open, retaining experienced depth while still being able to call upon emerging talent.
Now, as announced by the Premier League , Manchester City have listed 23 players on their official squad list for the 2025/26 season, with an ability to name up to 25 senior players on their roster.
It must be noted that the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov , Rico Lewis , Savinho , and Nico O'Reilly are included on City's 'U21 players (Contract and Scholars)' list, which also features a number of high-profile on-loan starlets such as Juma Bah, Claudio Echeverri , and Vitor Reis .
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The decision to retain Kalvin Phillips may prove crucial across a busy calendar that will demand rotation and depth. With Manchester City competing on multiple fronts, Guardiola may look to utilise Phillips in cup competitions or as a rotational option to ease workload.
Speculation is already mounting that this could be a temporary reprieve, with the January transfer window expected to provide fresh opportunities for both player and club. If Phillips fails to secure meaningful game time before then, City may revisit exit options.
For now, though, the midfielder has been handed a lifeline. His inclusion represents not only a show of faith but also a reminder that in Pep Guardiola's system, opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
