Pep Guardiola’s departure marks the end of the most successful era in Manchester City’s history. Six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and a decade of dominance have established standards few clubs in Europe can match.
Now comes the difficult part. Whether Enzo Maresca or another successor takes over at the Etihad Stadium, the next head coach inherits a squad still packed with elite talent, but one that also needs refreshing 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.
Table of Contents
Goalkeepers
James Trafford
City moved to bring Trafford back because they believe he can become their long-term No.1, and his performances this season have justified that faith. Calm in possession, commanding in the air and increasingly confident under pressure. The future of the position should be built around him, but maybe not next season.
LOAN
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Still one of the best shot-stoppers in world football, and having only joined last season, it is difficult to see the club not keeping hold of him.
KEEP
Marcus Bettinelli
Experienced third-choice goalkeeper who understands his role within the squad. Valuable around the dressing room and homegrown.
KEEP
Defenders
Ruben Dias
Still a leader of City’s defence despite his lesser role this season. Looks set to keep his place under Enzo Maresca.
KEEP
Josko Gvardiol
Developed into one of City’s most complete defenders. Comfortable centrally or at left-back and remains one of the key building blocks for the next era.
KEEP
Marc Guehi
A smart addition who fits the modern City profile. Aggressive defender, strong on the ball and entering his prime years. Could become a major figure under the next manager.
KEEP
Rico Lewis
One of the academy’s brightest products and exactly the kind of intelligent, versatile player City build around. However, do not be surprised to see the youngster head out on loan.
LOAN
Nathan Ake
Reliable when fit, but injuries continue to interrupt his momentum. At 31 this summer, City may decide this is the right time to refresh the position if a strong offer arrives.
SELL
John Stones
A legendary figure from the Guardiola era, but injuries have become too frequent. His technical quality remains is still there, but he will be departing the club as a free agent.
SELL
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Adds energy and attacking quality down the left side. Gives City a different dimension and should improve further in this system.
KEEP
Abdukodir Khusanov
Still raw, but the athletic profile is outstanding. Needs time and patience, has obvious potential.
KEEP
Max Alleyne
Highly-rated internally but unlikely to receive consistent minutes next season. A Championship loan would accelerate his development.
LOAN
Manuel Akanji
Solid servant for City, but the loan move suggests he may no longer be central to long-term plans. Depends on the new manager’s tactical preferences.
SELL
Vitor Reis
Huge potential, but regular football is essential at his age. Another loan would benefit both player and club.
LOAN
Joshua Wilson-Esbrand
Has struggled to establish himself in City’s senior setup and now needs permanent stability elsewhere.
SELL
Midfielders
Rodri
Still the heartbeat of this team. City’s entire structure changes when he is absent. One of the most important players in world football.
KEEP
Phil Foden
A difficult season by his standards at times, but remains the face of City’s future alongside Haaland. The next manager must build around him.
KEEP
Tijjani Reijnders
Has brought composure, intelligence and control to midfield. Looks perfectly suited to City’s possession game and should only improve.
KEEP
Rayan Cherki
One of the most naturally gifted players in the squad. Capable of unlocking games few others can. Consistency remains the next challenge without Guardiola.
KEEP
Bernardo Silva
An all-time great of the Guardiola era, but this feels like the natural endpoint. Like Stones, he will depart this summer.
SELL
Jeremy Doku
Still devastating in transition and one of the squad’s most dangerous dribblers. Needs more end product but remains a major weapon.
KEEP
Savinho
Rarely featured last season and is drawing attention in the market, City may be better off cashing in.
SELL
Nico Gonzalez
A useful squad option who offers tactical flexibility and energy in midfield. Not spectacular, but dependable.
KEEP
Mateo Kovacic
Reliable depth option, though age and physical decline are beginning to show. Could stay another year, but City should already be planning beyond him.
SELL
Matheus Nunes
Never fully convinced in midfield and continues to look caught between roles. There is talent there, but City may decide to cut losses.
SELL
Nico O’Reilly
One of the most exciting academy prospects at the club. Very likely he has that left-back spot locked down for years to come.
KEEP
Sverre Nypan
Very highly-rated and technically gifted. The pathway into City’s midfield is difficult, so a loan feels inevitable.
LOAN
Claudio Echeverri
Immense talent, but physically still developing. Needs senior football before becoming a realistic option in Manchester.
LOAN
Kalvin Phillips
The move simply never worked. Injuries, loss of confidence and system incompatibility have made a permanent exit the right decision for everyone.
SELL
Jack Grealish
The loan move has likely signalled the end of his City career. Injuries and inconsistency have reduced his influence significantly over the past two seasons.
SELL
Forwards
Erling Haaland
The foundation of City’s attack and still the most feared striker in Europe. Everything offensively should continue to revolve around him.
KEEP
Omar Marmoush
Has adapted quickly and gives City more mobility and unpredictability in attack. Excellent rotational option who can also play alongside Haaland.
KEEP
Antoine Semenyo
A powerful, direct forward who adds physicality to the frontline. Looks well-suited to his role in Manchester.
KEEP
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