Guardiola's approach to rebuilding the team has been questioned in the past, with some accusing him of spending his way out of problems. However, City had already completed most of their transfer business before heading to the United States for the Club World Cup.
The team had signed several new players, including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki, with the intention of developing them into regular starters. While another big signing is not a priority, the team is actively looking to strengthen their right-back position, with Tino Livramento being their main target.
As the team focuses on rebuilding, attention is also turning to who will leave City in the coming weeks. The club is expected to streamline their squad this summer, and several players are under consideration for departure.
Among those players are Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Kalvin Phillips, Kyle Walker, and James McAtee. There is also speculation around goalkeeper Ederson, who had a disappointing performance in the Al Hilal defeat.
Grealish is the most high-profile player being considered for departure, and his interest from abroad is growing. He has been told that he needs to be involved regularly at a high level to push himself back into the England squad.
While a permanent sale is difficult due to Grealish's high salary, a loan move is currently seen as a more feasible option. Several clubs, including Newcastle, Everton, and Tottenham, have expressed interest in Grealish, while Napoli and AC Milan have made contact from Serie A.
Stones is attracting attention from his former club Everton, and Brighton are also monitoring his situation. Talks with the player are expected soon to determine his preference on how to move forward.
Gundogan, who was re-signed last summer, has attracted enquiries from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. City have considered offering him a non-playing role when he retires.
Phillips, meanwhile, has become a forgotten man and is expected to be moved on. He recently underwent surgery, but a transfer before the window closes remains the goal.
McAtee is also set to leave, with interest from five Bundesliga clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, which has long-term interest in him.
Phil Foden's role remains delicate, but he is too iconic to be considered for transfer. After a difficult season, there are doubts about Guardiola's trust in him, but the player is committed to reclaiming a key starting role next season.
Elsewhere, veteran defender Walker will leave, with Everton in contact, and Kevin De Bruyne has already signed for Napoli. It is a big summer of change as City transition to a new era, and the focus is now on ensuring they are ready for the start of the Premier League season in August.