Pep Guardiola’s departure marks the end of the most successful era in Manchester City’s history. six Premier League Trophies, a Champions League title and a decade of dominance set standards that few clubs in Europe can match.
Now comes the hard part. Whether Enzo Maresca or another successor takes over at the Etihad Stadium, the next coach will inherit a squad that is still full of elite talent, but also needs a refresh in key areas.
Some players remain key to City’s future, while others are entering the final stages of their cycle at the club.
Here, we take a look at who should stay, who should go, and who could benefit from a loan move.
Goalkeepers
James Trafford
City moved to bring back Trafford because they believe he can become a long-term No.1, and his performances this season have justified that belief. Calm on the ball, dominant in the air, and increasingly confident under pressure. The position’s future should be built around him, but perhaps not next season.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma
He remains one of the best goalkeepers in world football, having only joined last season, and it is hard to see the club not keeping him.
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Marcus Bettinelli
An experienced third-party goalkeeper who understands his role within the team. Valuable throughout the dressing room and locally.
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Defenders
Robin Dias
He remains a leader of City’s defence, despite his lesser role this season. It looks like he will keep his place under Enzo Maresca.
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If Guardiol
He has developed into one of City’s most complete defenders. Comfortable as a midfielder or left-back and remains one of the building blocks for the coming era.
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Mark Guehi
A smart addition that fits the modern look of the city. Aggressive defender, strong on the ball and entering his early years. He could become a key figure under the next manager.
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Rico Lewis
One of the academy’s best products and exactly the type of intelligent, versatile player City are building. However, don’t be surprised to see the youngster go out on loan.
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Nathan Ack
He can be relied upon when fit, but injuries continue to derail his momentum. With him turning 31 this summer, City may decide this is the right time to upgrade their position should a strong bid arrive.
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John Stones
A legendary figure from the Guardiola era, but injuries have become too frequent. His technical quality is still there, but he will leave the club as a free agent.
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Rayan Ait Nouri
Adds energy and attacking quality on the left side. He gives City a different dimension and they must improve further in this system.
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Abdelkader Khosanov
It’s still raw, but the sporty look is great. It takes time and patience, and has clear potential.
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Max Allen
He is highly rated internally but is unlikely to get consistent minutes next season. A tournament loan would accelerate his development.
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Manuel Akanji
A solid servant for Manchester City, but the loan move suggests he may no longer be central to the long-term plans. Depends on the tactical preferences of the new manager.
He sells
Victor Reese
Huge potential, but regular football is essential at his age. Another loan would benefit both the player and the club.
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Joshua Wilson-Esbrand
He has struggled to establish himself in the first team at City and now needs permanent stability elsewhere.
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Midfielders
Rhodri
He is still the beating heart of this team. The entire structure of the city changes when he is gone. One of the most important players in the world of football.
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Phil Foot
A difficult season by his standards at times, but he remains the face of City’s future alongside Haaland. The next manager must build around him.
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Tijani Reynders
He brought calm, intelligence and control to the midfield. He seems a perfect fit for City’s possession style and should only improve.
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Rayan Sharqi
One of the most naturally talented players on the team. Able to unlock games that few others can. Consistency remains the next challenge without Guardiola.
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Bernardo Silva
He is an all-time great in the Guardiola era, but this feels like the natural end point. Like Stones, he will leave this summer.
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Jeremy Doku
He remains devastating in transition and one of the most dangerous dribblers in the team. Needs more end product but still a key weapon.
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Savinio
Last season he rarely appeared and attracted attention in the market, and City may be better placed to capitalize on him.
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Nico Gonzalez
A useful option for the team that provides tactical flexibility and energy in the midfield. Not amazing, but reliable.
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Matthew Kovacic
A reliable depth option, although age and physical deterioration are starting to show. He could stay for another year, but City must already be planning beyond that.
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Matthews Nunes
He never fully convinces in midfield and continues to appear between roles. There is talent there, but City may decide to cut losses.
He sells
Nico O’Reilly
One of the club’s most exciting academic talents. It is very likely that the left-back position will remain locked in for years to come.
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Nipan swore
He is very highly rated and technically gifted. The path to City’s midfield is difficult, so a loan seems inevitable.
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Claudio Echeverri
Tremendous talent, but still developing physically. He needs senior football before he becomes a realistic option in Manchester.
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Calvin Phillips
This move simply never worked. Injuries, loss of confidence and system incompatibility made a permanent exit the right decision for everyone.
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Jack Grealish
The loan move likely signals the end of his City career. Injuries and inconsistency have significantly reduced his impact over the past two seasons.
He sells
forward
Erling Haaland
The foundation of City’s attack and still the most feared striker in Europe. Everything offensively has to continue to revolve around him.
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Omar Marmoush
He has adapted quickly and gives City more movement and unpredictability in attack. An excellent rotation option who can also play alongside Haaland.
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Antoine Simenio
A powerful, direct striker who adds physicality to the front line. He seems well suited to his role in Manchester.
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