Full Breakdown
Manchester City’s Summer 2026 Squad Audit Ahead of Enzo Maresca’s Tenure
6/10/2026, 8:42:53 PM
Maresca’s Arrival and the Summer 2026 Squad Audit
Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City’s head coach. The club has overhauled the squad during the past 18 months, with several former Guardiola-era regulars departing and younger alternatives arriving. The impending transfer window is projected to be active, as the new manager’s tactical preferences intersect with a roster that includes multiple players whose contracts are nearing expiry.
Transition from Guardiola to Maresca
Guardiola’s tenure concluded after a season in which the squad was rebuilt around youthful talent. Maresca has publicly expressed a preference for goalkeepers comfortable with the ball at their feet and less inclined to long-range kicks. This contrasts with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s tendency to launch long balls, a factor that could influence goalkeeper selections.
Players Facing Uncertainty
- Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (27, contract 2030) and James Trafford (23, contract 2030). Trafford, who was “bitterly disappointed” by Donnarumma’s arrival, was widely expected to leave, but Maresca’s arrival may alter that outlook.
- Outfield: Rico Lewis (21, contract 2030) – limited game time under Guardiola; Jack Grealish (30, contract 2027) – spent the last season on loan at Everton and is unlikely to return; Savinho (22, contract 2031) – a move to Tottenham was blocked by City CEO Ferran Soriano; Omar Marmoush (27, contract 2029) – not considered a viable starter.
- Defenders: Matheus Nunes (27, contract 2028) – right-back position under review; Marc Guehi (25, contract 2031) – error in the FA Cup final noted but expected to remain a key player.
Contract Landscape and Age Profile
- Under-30 core: 15 players, ages 21-29, with contracts extending to 2028-2031.
- Mid-30 cohort: Marcus Bettinelli (34, contract 2027) signed a one-year extension in April.
- Long-term contracts: Erling Haaland (25, contract 2034) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (2030) are secured beyond the next two seasons.
- Expiring 2027-2028: Rodri (29, 2027), Nathan Ake (31, 2027), Ruben Dias (29, 2029), and several midfielders and defenders whose deals end between 2027 and 2029.
Club’s Official Actions and Responses
Manchester City has offered Rodri a new contract to retain the midfielder amid speculation about a Real Madrid move. Ruben Dias signed a two-year extension with an optional third year in August. Marcus Bettinelli received a one-year extension after replacing Scott Carson. Josko Gvardiol has a new contract offer on the table, and the club confirmed interest from Bayern Munich but indicated the player is “settled” and likely to stay. City’s hierarchy, led by CEO Ferran Soriano, blocked Savinho’s transfer to Tottenham.
Criticism of Squad Management
Analysts note that Guardiola’s emphasis on height disadvantaged Rico Lewis, whose opportunities “dried up” as the Premier League became more physical. Maresca’s stated goalkeeper preference may marginalise Donnarumma despite his high wages. The handling of loan spells for Claudio Echeverri—first to Bayer Leverkusen, then controversially to Girona—has been described as “controversial.” Jack Grealish’s season-long loan at Everton, followed by an apparent lack of reintegration, has drawn criticism regarding the club’s utilization of senior talent.
Conflicting Projections and Information Gaps
- Josko Gvardiol: Interest from Bayern Munich versus reports that he will sign City’s new deal.
- Rodri: Ongoing speculation about a Real Madrid transfer versus the club’s contract offer.
- James Trafford: Widespread belief he will depart contrasted with the possibility of retention under Maresca.
- Tijjani Reijnders: Reports of a planned summer exit conflict with suggestions that Maresca could alter his status.
Looking Ahead to the Transfer Window
The summer 2026 window will test Maresca’s ability to shape a squad aligned with his tactical vision. Key decisions are expected around the goalkeeper position, the right-back slot, and midfield depth. Contract negotiations for Rodri, Dias, and Gvardiol, alongside potential departures of Donnarumma, Trafford, and several out-of-favor players, will define City’s roster for the upcoming season.
