Manchester City face a turning point as Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones exit, erasing 29 seasons of continuity. Summer also saw Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Éderson, Manuel Akanji and director Txiki Begiristain depart. With the squad stripped to its core, the club must decide which veterans stay and who can fill the looming gaps, and a clear plan is essential.

City’s board eyes former assistant Enzo Maresca as the natural successor. He helped Guardiola win the treble, knows the internal network and brings Premier League silverware from Chelsea, offering a steady hand for the transition. Meanwhile, the club still confronts 130 alleged financial breaches; a delayed verdict leaves fines, points deductions or even expulsion on the table, and could quiet a restless fanbase.

Contract decisions dominate the summer agenda. Erling Haaland signed a ten‑year extension despite the ongoing probe, signalling confidence in the project. Rodri’s 2027 deal looms; injury worries and Real Madrid interest make a short‑term extension or free transfer plausible. Veteran options like Nathan Aké, Mateo Kovačić and Jack Grealish are deemed expendable, while Josko Gvardiol’s 2028 expiry demands an early verdict, for maintaining dominance in Europe.