After having spent €490 million over the last 18 months to get a makeover, Manchester City still plans to treat itself to a few strokes this summer 2026. Indeed, the residents of the Etihad Stadium are not against a new facelift. The biggest change could well concern the coaching position since we still do not know whether Pep Guardiola will stay on the Skyblues bench or not. In the event of departure, Mancunian leaders have already found how to repair the scar left by Guardiola. Enzo Maresca, free since his departure from Chelsea, is already ready to take over if he is called upon. For the moment, the coach admitted that he has not been contacted by City. On the player side, there will also be several important operations.
City will get a makeover
After several years of good and loyal service, Bernardo Silva, who is announced at Juventus and Barça, and John Stones have already announced their departures at the end of this 2025-26 financial year. Loaned to Inter, Manuel Akanji will stay there. His €15 million purchase option was triggered after the Serie A title. Other elements are uncertain. This is the case with Rodri. Manchester City offered him a contract extension. The midfielder is studying this proposal, while keeping an eye on Real Madrid. A club which is cited as a potential base. The young Claudio Echeverri, Sverre Nypan or Max Alleyne could leave or go on loan again. On the other hand, Vitor Reis has a good chance of staying in England after his loan to Girona.
Finally, there are certain elements on the starting ramp, starting with James Trafford. Recruited before the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 23-year-old Englishman thought he would take a new step with the Skyblues. The arrival of Gigio changed everything. This summer, Trafford is looking for a new challenge to take on. Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are ready to welcome him according to the Telegraph. Nathan Aké is also potentially up for it. Under contract until 2027, the Dutchman has always been a valuable and versatile player. But the competition is strong for his position. Clubs, including Barça, are already following his case.
Several departures planned
In the midfield, there is also a risk of alterations. One year from the end of his contract, Mateo Kovacic will not be retained. The door is open for the Croatian, injured for a long time this season. If a club comes forward, the Mancunians will sell it, ensuring the Telegraph. Ditto for Tijjani Reijnders. Which is rather surprising since the midfielder arrived last summer from AC Milan for €XM. Starting at the start of the season, he then lost his place. The English media assures that City will sell him if an offer arrives or if the club buys a more efficient midfielder this summer. The situation could change for him depending on Guardiola’s future. A coach who also influenced Savinho’s future last summer.
The Brazilian was in Tottenham’s sights. But his coach had closed the door. This summer, things will be different. A sale is no longer ruled out. Finally, there are the unwanted players who have already been exfiltrated on loan. This is the case of Kalvin Phillips. The player under contract until 2028 is called one of the worst signings of the Abu Dhabi era by the Telegraph. Loaned to Sheffield United in February, he only played 3 matches, between suspensions and injuries. City will still look to sell him this summer. Same thing for Jack Grealish, still under contract for one year. Although injured, the Englishman convinced Everton, who are discussing whether to keep him permanently. Including Bernardo Silva and John Stones, Manchester City are close to losing 10 players this summer.
