Pep Guardiola’s departure marks the end of the most successful era in Manchester City’s history. Six first division Titles, a Champions League crown and a decade of dominance have set standards that 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 team still packed with elite talent, but also in need of renewal 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.
Goalkeepers
James Trafford
City decided to bring Trafford back because they believe he can become their long-term number one, and his performances this season have justified that faith. Calm in possession, dominant 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
He remains one of the best goalkeepers in world football and, having joined last season, it is difficult to imagine the club not retaining him.
KEEP
Marco Bettinelli
Experienced third choice goalkeeper who understands his role within the team. Valuable in the locker room and at the youth level.
KEEP
Defenders
Ruben Dias
He remains a leader of City’s defense despite his diminished role this season. He seems willing to keep his place under Enzo Maresca.
KEEP
Josko Gvardiol
He became one of City’s most complete defenders. He is comfortable in the center or at left back and remains one of the key pillars of the next era.
KEEP
Marc Guehi
A smart addition that adapts to the profile of the modern city. Aggressive defender, strong on the ball and entering his best years. He could become an important figure with the next coach.
KEEP
Rico Lewis
One of the brightest products of the academy and exactly the type of intelligent, versatile player that City build. However, don’t be surprised if the youngster goes out on loan.
LOAN
Nathan Ake
Reliable when fit, but injuries continue to disrupt his momentum. At 31 this summer, City may decide this is the right time to renew the position if a strong offer comes in.
SELL
Juan Piedras
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.
SELL
Rayan Ait Nouri
Adds energy and attacking quality on the left side. It gives the City a different dimension and should improve even more in this system.
KEEP
Abdukodir Khusanov
Still raw, but the athletic profile is outstanding. It takes time and patience, it 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
A solid servant for City, but the loan suggests he may no longer be central to their long-term plans. It depends on the tactical preferences of the new coach.
SELL
victor reyes
He has enormous potential, but regular football is essential at his age. Another loan would benefit both the player and the club.
LOAN
Joshua Wilson-Esbrand
He has struggled to establish himself in City’s senior structure and now needs permanent stability elsewhere.
SELL
Midfielders
Rodri
He remains the heartbeat of this team. The entire structure of the city changes when he is absent. One of the most important players in world football.
KEEP
Phil Foden
It has been 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.
KEEP
Tijjani Reijnders
He has brought composure, intelligence and control to the midfield. He seems to adapt perfectly to City’s possession game and should only improve.
KEEP
Rayan Cherki
One of the most naturally talented players on the squad. Able to unlock games that few others can. Consistency remains the next challenge without Guardiola.
KEEP
Bernard Silva
An all-time great from the Guardiola era, but this seems the natural ending point. Like Stones, he will be leaving this summer.
SELL
Jeremy Doku
He continues to be devastating in transition and one of the most dangerous dribblers on the squad. It needs more final product, but it’s still an important weapon.
KEEP
Savinho
He rarely featured last season and is attracting attention in the market, City may do well to cash in.
SELL
Nico Gonzalez
A useful squad option that offers tactical flexibility and midfield energy. Not spectacular, but reliable.
KEEP
Matthew Kovacic
Reliable depth option, although age and physical decline are beginning to show. He could stay for another year, but City should already be planning beyond him.
SELL
Matheus Nunes
He is never quite convinced in midfield and continues to seem caught between roles. There is talent there, but City may decide to cut their losses.
SELL
Nico O’Reilly
One of the club’s most interesting academy prospects. It is very likely that he will have that left-back position guaranteed for years to come.
KEEP
Sverre-Nypan
Very well valued and technically equipped. The path to City’s midfield is difficult, so a loan move seems inevitable.
LOAN
Claudio Echeverri
Immense talent, but still in physical development. He needs senior football before he becomes a realistic option in Manchester.
LOAN
kalvin phillips
The measure 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 probably marked the end of his City career. Injuries and inconsistency have significantly reduced his influence over the past two seasons.
SELL
Forwards
Erling Haaland
The base of City’s attack and remains the most feared striker in Europe. Everything offensive should continue to revolve around him.
KEEP
Omar Marmush
He has adapted quickly and gives City more mobility and unpredictability in attack. Excellent rotation option who can also play alongside Haaland.
KEEP
Antonio Semenyo
A powerful and direct forward who brings physicality to the first line. He seems well suited to his role in Manchester.
KEEP
