1. Gianluigi Donnarumma - KEEP
While there's talk of who Enzo Maresca will choose as his number one, the likelihood is that Gianluigi Donnarumma will remain as Man City's first choice goalkeeper. He enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League, making some incredible match-winning saves along the way (remember the saves from Havertz v Arsenal? Mbeumo v United? Mac Allister v Liverpool?) I personally doubt whether the Italian will be at City for years to come, but he'll be between the sticks for the 26/27 season for sure.
2. James Trafford - LOAN
Ah James Trafford. Signed as a replacement for Ederson, many were expecting the Academy graduate to claim that number one spot. That is, of course, until the signing of the aforementioned Donnarumma. Trafford was instrumental in City winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, but his appearances in the Premier League were very much limited. It's looking likely that the stopper will leave Man City on a permanent basis if Enzo Maresca decides to keep Donnarumma as first choice between the sticks. For me, it would be wonderful if instead of a permanent transfer, Trafford could move on loan for a season or two. As I said before, I don't think Gianluigi Donnarumma will be at City for years to come, maybe another season or two, so to be able to bring back Trafford (again) would be ideal. Whether Trafford would be interested in such a move, though, is doubtful.
3. Marcus Bettinelli - KEEP
There's little really to say about Marcus Bettinelli. Signed solely as a third choice 'keeper, it's unlikely he'll be making a first team appearance any time soon. A solid third choice, signed as a replacement for Scott Carson, he'll be staying at the club for the 26/27 season.
Man City Defenders
4. Ruben Dias - KEEP
There's huge speculation surrounding the future of Ruben Dias. Whilst there's nothing concrete as of yet, there are rumors of Real Madrid sniffing around the central defender. Dias struggled with injury last season but will be looking to reclaim his spot at the heart of Man City's defence when the season begins. One of the finest centre halves in recent Premier League seasons, he'll be hugely important for the Blues in the 26/27 season
5. Rico Lewis - LOAN
Speaking with fellow City fans, there are many who think Rico Lewis has come to the end of his time with the club. I'm not one of them. Yes, the youngster has struggled on occasion, but there are plenty of signs that suggest he has a future at the club. His industry, work rate and versatility could be hugely important for Man City in the years to come. It's looking more likely he'll be sold, but for me a loan deal would be the better outcome for both parties.
6. Josh Wilson-Esbrand - SELL
Josh Wilson-Esbrand has spent much of the last three seasons out on loan, his most recent loan spell being at Radomiak Radom in Poland. When I've seen Wilson-Esbrand play in pre-season friendlies for the Blues, it's clear there's a capable player there. For me, though, there's not quite enough to suggest he could ever really challenge for a first team spot. With a year left on his contract, a permanent transfer is looking increasingly likely.
7. Josko Gvardiol - KEEP
As reported by Rob Dawson at ESPN, Josko Gvardiol has signed a new, long term deal with Man City. Honestly, this is just as important as a making a new signing. Gvardiol is one of the finest defenders in world soccer right now and to tie him down to a long-term contract is excellent business. It goes without saying, Gvardiol is 100% in the KEEP column.
8. Max Alleyne - LOAN
After impressing on loan at Watford, Man City recalled Max Alleyne halfway through the 25/26 season to ease their defensive crisis. He only made a handful of appearances, though he did make his Champions League debut, and it's likely Alleyne will be sent out on loan again. For me, if a reasonable bid comes in it might be worth considering a permanent transfer, but I've seen enough in Alleyne, despite his mistakes against Bodo/Glimt, to suggest he could have a future at the club.
9. Marc Guehi - KEEP
What a fantastic start Marc Guehi had to life at City! After his January transfer, Guehi cemented his place at the heart of Man City's defence with some excellent performances. He was vital, too, with recurring injuries to Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol limiting their availability. Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov developed a wonderful centre half partnership. I was particularly impressed with the England star's ability on the ball, his forward passing, movement and general reading of the game are just superb. An excellent signing, Marc Guehi will be at the heart of City's defence for years to come.
10. Abdukodir Khusanov - KEEP
Abdukodir Khusanov has quickly become my favorite current Man City player. He's aggressive in tackles, he has pace to burn and he plays with such passion, it's no wonder he has become a fan favorite with many supporters. Khusanov and Guehi developed an excellent partnership at the back end of last season, a vital one too considering the injuries Man City had defensively. With Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias back to full fitness, Khusanov may find it tough for a regular first team spot in the opening weeks but he'll still get plenty of minutes as the season progresses.
11. Vitor Reis - LOAN
Although Girona suffered relegation from La Liga last season, Vitor Reis was a stand out performer in an otherwise struggling team. He's returned to Manchester for preseason training and will be looking to impress new boss Enzo Maresca. The problem for Reis is the quality of City's other central defensive options. Despite the sale of Nathan Ake to Fenerbache, Reis is likely still fifth choice and another loan move is potentially on the cards.
12. Matheus Nunes - KEEP
I've got to hold my hands up here and say I didn't rate Matheus Nunes at all. I was never particularly impressed with him at Wolves where he played as an attacking midfielder and I certainly wasn't impressed with him when he came to City (in what I thought was a strange move on City's part). However, Nunes has managed to become almost undroppable after moving to right back. Is he the quickest? No. Is he the most technically gifted? No. But what he does offer is sheer hard work, dedication and great reading of the game. Once Nunes had a settled place in the squad, Man City fans began to see what he could offer and that is becoming one of the best right backs in the Premier League.
Man City Midfielders/Wingers
13. Rayan Cherki - KEEP
What. A. Player. There isn't really much else to say, is there? Rayan Cherki raised the roof at the Etihad Stadium throughout the 25/26 season. His touch, passing ability and imagination mixed in with some wonderful goals, Cherki is an absolute joy to watch. More of the same next season please, Rayan.
14. Jeremy Doku - KEEP
Jeremy Doku is another exciting talent who added more goals to his game in 2026. In fact, one of the major reasons why Man City were still in with a shout of the title last season was Doku's goalscoring form. He's perfected that finesse shot, with some excellent strikes against Chelsea and Everton in particular. If Doku can continue to improve, we'll have one heck of a player on our hands.
15. Claudio Echeverri - SELL
While it's clear that Claudio Echeverri is a talented player, for me there's not quite enough there to claim a regular spot in Man City's first team. He's up against serious competition in Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo to really ever stake a realistic claim for a first team place. City might decide to send the Argentinian starlet out on loan again, but a permanent transfer might be best all round.
16. Phil Foden - KEEP
There were rumors surrounding the future of Phil Foden. These have now been put to rest after the Academy graduate put pen to paper on a new deal that lasts until 2030. Phil Foden is a superb player. While he hasn't been as influential on the side in these last two seasons, he's still incredibly important to the club. Now he's signed a new contract, I'm expecting to see Foden return to his very best.
17. Jack Grealish - KEEP
Ah, Jack Grealish. One of the most underrated players in recent Premier League history. Here's one for you - Man City wouldn't have won the treble without him. There, I said it. While his goals and assists record leaves a little bit (well, a lot) to be desired, Grealish was integral to keeping possession flowing, relieving pressure off his teammates and playing the pass before the assist. Under Pep, and this isn't a criticism of the legendary manager (who could ever criticise the Premier League's greatest ever boss?), Grealish looked like he was playing within himself, scared of making a mistake and never really looking free to play in the swashbuckling manner that made him a star at Aston Villa. I'd love to see what Grealish could do under Enzo Maresca, but in truth it's likely we've seen the last of him in a Man City shirt.
18. Mateo Kovacic - KEEP
If the rumors surrounding Rodri joining Real Madrid are to be believed, and those rumors are getting stronger, City will need the experience of Mateo Kovacic as they head into the 26/27 season. While Kova missed much of last season through injury, the loss of Bernardo Silva and now likely Rodri means City will have lost a huge amount of expertise in the centre of the park. Elliot Anderson has joined, yes, but having the option to play him alongside an experienced head will be important.
19. Nico Gonzalez - KEEP
Nico Gonzalez hasn't played anywhere near as many minutes as he would've hoped, or expected, since he joined City in January 2025. The 26/27 season could be his breakthrough year, though, after Bernardo Silva left the club and the potential loss of Rodri. They'll still be competition for places, but Gonzales will be hopeful of becoming a regular name on the team sheet.
20. Nico O' Reilly - KEEP
Nico O' Reilly certainly made that left back spot his own last season. As he did for much of last season, though, O' Reilly is likely to be playing further up the field this campaign. After scoring and assisting some important goals throughout last season, O' Reilly has now firmly established his first team place for both club and country. He'll only get better, too, I'm looking forward to seeing how Nico continues to grow on the biggest stage.
21. Kalvin Phillips - SELL
It's never quite worked for Kalvin Phillips at Man City. It's easy to see why he was signed - a key member of the Leeds United midfield and winning England's Player of the Year award in 2021. Since signing for City, Phillips struggled with form and fitness and has spent time out on loan at West Ham, Ipswich Town and Sheffield United. There's talk of the latter making a bid to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis, which is probably the best outcome all round.
22. Tijjani Reijnders - KEEP
Tijjani Reijnders started his City career very well indeed, scoring and grabbing an assist in the 25/26 season opener against Wolves. Towards the back end of last season, though, Reijnders found himself on the bench more often than not. It's clear he's an excellent player, but he will need to be more consistent if he's to really cement a place in City's first XI regularly.
23. Rodri - KEEP
Rodri. The best defensive midfielder in the world. One of the most decorated players in world soccer. World Cup-winning captain and World Cup 2026 Golden Ball winner. For a player who has spent much of the last two seasons on the sidelines through serious injury, what a return to form his World Cup performances for Spain showed! There is more and more talk about a potential move to Real Madrid, which you can read about in our other articles below. He's in his last year of his contract, which may force City into selling their superstar if he doesn't sign a new deal, rather than lose him for free in the summer. While City tend to allow players to run down their contracts and give them a free transfer, this feels different. If Rodri does leave, it will be a major blow to the Blues, not just because of his sheer talent, but following on from Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake leaving the club, he'd be another hugely influential player to leave the Etihad in the same summer - an exodus City don't want nor need.
24. Savinho - SELL
This will probably sound quite harsh, but Savinho has never quite done it for me. In fact, the only time I've been excited by Savinho's output was in the first half of the final game of the 25/26 against Aston Villa, where he looked dynamic, fresh and determined. He works hard, yes, and of course he's a good player (City wouldn't have signed him in the first place if he wasn't). For me, though, he's a level or two below Man City's other attacking talent. Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku will likely be City's first choice wingers again next season, Savinho can't match their quality or output.
25. Antoine Semenyo - KEEP
Antoine Semenyo, what a signing! He's been magical during his time in Manchester, providing goals and assists throughout his first few months at the club, including a delicious back-heel winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup Final. He developed a lovely partnership with Rayan Cherki in particular which should grow even further next season.
Man City Strikers
26. Omar Marmoush - SELL
Listen, there's lots I like about Omar Marmoush. He's one heck of a finisher, he terrifies defenders and he can pop up with important goals. Last season he didn't really make his mark, though. For me, he's a player who needs to start consistently to get the best out of him and I'm not sure he'll get that opportunity at Man City. There are players ahead of him in the pecking order and while it will be a shame to see him go, I can't see him making much of an impact if he stays at the Etihad Stadium. I'd be delighted to be wrong, though.
27. Erling Haaland - KEEP
Is there anything I could possibly add? Give Erling Haaland a contract until he's 50 years old.
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