Pep Guardiola delighted to be reunited with two Manchester City stars in new footage | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appeared to be delighted upon being reunited with two members of his first-team squad despite intense transfer speculation this summer.

As the Premier League giants begin preparations ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Guardiola has wasted no time in stamping his usual intensity and warmth onto the training pitch. With the players reporting back to the City Football Academy, the session was not only about fitness but also about togetherness.

The return of several key names has offered a welcome boost for Manchester City’s coaching staff, particularly following a turbulent end to the previous season where injuries, rotation, and transfer noise dominated much of the squad’s stability.

Now, with new faces arriving, fresh coaching voices alongside Pep Guardiola, and a competitive edge returning to training, there’s a sense of reset in the air. Among the players to report back for duty were several headline-makers from the ongoing summer transfer window.

James McAtee and Jack Grealish – both subject to Premier League interest – were present, while Stefan Ortega Moreno – who is considering a move elsewhere – was also involved. However, two of the most notable inclusions came in the form of a transfer-linked pairing.

As Manchester City release footage from their first City Football Academy pre-season training session ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, eagle-eyed viewers noticed the delight on Pep Guardiola’s face as he reunited with two stars in particular.

Making a point of embracing both players with a hug on the City Football Academy training pitch, Guardiola was ecstatic when greeting converted right-sided full-back Matheus Nunes and his long-standing mainstay No.1 choice goalkeeper Ederson.

Matheus Nunes, signed from Wolves in 2023, struggled to establish himself as a regular fixture in midfield and ended the season primarily being deployed as a right-back – a role he embraced but which raised questions about his long-term fit.

Manchester City have been linked with a natural right-sided defender this summer, which could further reduce Nunes’ minutes. Nevertheless, his inclusion in the session and clear affection shown by Guardiola may signal a renewed opportunity for the Portuguese player.

Ederson, meanwhile, has been at the centre of a potential goalkeeping overhaul. With Galatasaray circling, and with City pushing to sign Burnley’s James Trafford, speculation over the Brazilian’s Etihad future has remained constant.

Yet, Pep Guardiola’s reaction – a warm embrace and visible delight – suggests there may still be belief that the Brazilian will remain an integral part of the squad for the upcoming season.

Looking ahead, Guardiola’s embrace may not entirely rule out transfer movement, but it does reinforce the personal bond he shares with both players. City are known to make emotionally detached decisions when needed, but Guardiola has long been one to value loyalty and professionalism, even when circumstances hint toward change.

Should Ederson remain, Manchester City will want a three-man senior goalkeeping group featuring the Brazilian, incoming England international James Trafford, and new third-choice Marcus Bettinelli – intensifying the need for a sale of Ortega.

As for Nunes, his future may depend largely on how City resolve their right-back search. If the club do recruit a specialist in the position – with Tino Livramento the priority – the Portuguese midfielder may be hugely limited in opportunities amid doubts over his ability to perform in City’s midfield.