“Pep’s leaving video?” – New video from within Etihad Stadium clarified amid Man City exit talk

Manchester City to open pub to celebrate departing duo Bernardo Silva and John Stones

Why 18 trophies have been placed on the Etihad pitch

Hours after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in their penultimate home match of the 2025/26 season, the club appear to have been at work on the pitch filming some content regarding a high-profile exit this summer.

As revealed by Stretford Paddock on X, 18 trophies have been placed onto the Etihad Stadium pitch, leading to some speculating as to whether it was the biggest indicator yet of a potential Pep Guardiola exit at the end of the campaign.

However, as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, the video is due to be part of Bernardo Silva’s farewell from Manchester City after the Portugal international’s nine years and 18 trophies at the club.

On the subject of Pep Guardiola’s future, the same report reaffirms the possibility of the Catalan departing this summer despite Manchester City continuing to point towards his contract expiring in the summer 2027.

Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Manchester City links as Pep Guardiola doubts continue

Life after Bernardo Silva and John Stones

The departure of Bernardo Silva marks the end of an era for a player who has arguably been Manchester City’s most selfless and versatile servant, particularly in the eyes of head coach Guardiola.

Since arriving from AS Monaco in the summer of 2017, the Portuguese midfielder has been the midfield engine of the squad, and his 18-trophy haul mirrors the club’s rise to dominance in English football.

Gallery: Inside Manchester City’s farewell party for Bernardo Silva and John Stones

The realisation that Bernardo Silva is entering his final weeks in sky blue – likely destined for a move to Barcelona or Serie A – adds a layer of bittersweet emotion to the ongoing title charge and pursuit of a domestic double or treble.

The place left by Bernardo Silva and John Stones will force sporting director Hugo Viana into a summer of recruitment and analysis of the first-team, with Vitor Reis earmarked for a return after his loan at Girona, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson believed to be the No.1 target in central midfield.