Expert: Pep Guardiola has 'major concerns' as two 'massive' Man City exits near

Pep Guardiola has major concerns about his Manchester City squad as both Bernardo Silva and Rodri could be set to leave at the end of the season.

The midfielders, aged 31 and 29 respectively, have both been crucial players over a number of years both on and off the pitch at the Etihad.

While Silva is out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to move on, Rodri has recently fanned the flames of a potential move to Real Madrid.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that losing two long-serving and important players will come as a major blow to Guardiola.

Man City could be forced into the market to replace them, but regardless of their on-pitch abilities, their leadership and experience will be the biggest loss.

Bernardo Silva edges towards Man City exit

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Silva is likely to leave Man City, with Paris Saint-Germain joining Juventus and Benfica in the race for his signature.

The midfielder is set to explore his options as a free agent and is believed to already have made a decision about his future, with his next club being decided.

Club captain Silva has remained a key man for Guardiola’s side this season, and losing him will come as a significant blow at a time of major upheaval.

“Bernardo Silva has been an important player for Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.

“There’s a lot of pressure on his role there, he sets the standard, does a bit of everything and a player like that is such a valuable asset to have.

“Losing him will be a major blow to Man City, but it’s not just him, Rodri has been speaking about leaving too because Real Madrid are sniffing around.

“It’s going to be a major concern for Pep Guardiola, losing such important players.

“Not just on the pitch, but behind the scenes as well they’re some of the more experienced players in that team and losing them could make a massive difference.

“Especially with the other changes happening there with new centre-backs, forwards, younger players coming in as regulars.”

Rodri drops hint over future move to Real Madrid

Rodri has recently cast doubt about his long-term future at Man City as he confessed he “cannot refuse” a move to Madrid, despite his history with Atletico.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Rodri is being tempted by Real Madrid’s interest and would find it difficult to turn down a move to Los Blancos.

Rordri would be keen to make the move back to Spain and away from Man City, having spent seven years at the club since his move from Atletico in 2019.

Ongoing issues surrounding inconsistency and a number of underwhelming performances have seen Guardiola’s side fall nine points short of Arsenal in the league.

That has led to growing speculation about a number of star players’ futures at the Etihad, while there is also speculation surrounding the manager’s position.

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