Pep Guardiola is now convinced about selling £55m Manchester City player after his latest international display.

Pep Guardiola Faces Tough Call on Player’s Future After Brighton Defeat and International Struggles

Manchester City’s stuttering start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has placed manager Pep Guardiola under intense scrutiny, with the team’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on August 31, 2025, exposing familiar vulnerabilities.

The loss, marking City’s second defeat in their opening three matches, has raised questions about the squad’s cohesion following a £320million rebuild.

The collapse at the Amex Stadium, where City squandered a lead after Erling Haaland’s first-half goal, mirrored issues seen in recent performances: defensive fragility and a lack of control in critical moments.

Guardiola himself admitted post-match that his side “forgot to play” after conceding a penalty to James Milner, leading to a late winner by Brighton’s Brajan Gruda. This defeat, coupled with a prior 2-0 loss to Tottenham, has left City six points off the pace, prompting Guardiola to reassess his squad as they head into the international break.

One player’s future is particularly under the microscope after his latest international display echoed the same shortcomings seen at club level. While City’s new-look squad is still adapting, with Rodri’s return offering a glimmer of hope, individual performances are being closely evaluated. The Spaniard, who played a full 90 minutes against Brighton for the first time since May 2024, emphasized the need for collective responsibility, stating, “I’m not Messi; I’m not going to come back and just make the team win.” Guardiola echoed this sentiment, praising Rodri’s character but acknowledging the team’s inability to maintain momentum after conceding.

The manager’s comments suggest a deeper issue: some players are failing to adapt to his high-intensity, possession-based system, especially in high-pressure situations like the Brighton match.

Enter Jeremy Doku, whose recent performances for Belgium during the international break have only amplified concerns about his fit at Manchester City. The 22-year-old winger, known for his electric pace and dribbling, has struggled to translate his raw talent into consistent output. Against Brighton, Doku was substituted after 60 minutes, having failed to make a significant impact on the right flank.

His tendency to overcomplicate in possession and lack of defensive discipline were evident, issues that resurfaced in Belgium’s Nations League matches. Guardiola, renowned for his ruthless streak, may now question Doku’s long-term role. While the Belgian’s potential is undeniable, his inability to refine his game—particularly in maintaining possession under pressure and contributing defensively—clashes with City’s tactical demands.

The Brighton defeat highlighted City’s vulnerability to counter-attacks, with the team conceding six clear-cut chances across their last two league games. Doku’s lack of positional awareness exacerbates this issue, leaving gaps that opponents exploit.

With City facing Manchester United next, Guardiola must decide whether to persist with Doku or prioritize players who better align with his system. The international break offers a chance to reflect, but Doku’s future at the Etihad hangs in the balance as City aim to reclaim their title-contending form.