Manchester City Eyes Blockbuster Summer Signings for Their Ultimate 2025-26 Squad Overhaul

Manchester City appeared to have regained their form at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following a disappointing season, but their round of 16 elimination by Al Hilal has sparked fresh concerns.

Pep Guardiola's team struggled with consistency throughout the 2024–25 campaign, relinquishing their Premier League crown and falling to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. Despite dominating their group stage matches at the Club World Cup, a shocking 4–3 loss to Al Hilal cast doubt on their resurgence.

Man City have already invested heavily in this summer's transfer market as their essential squad overhaul continues. Nevertheless, to reclaim their dominant status and championship-winning form, additional market activity remains necessary before the upcoming season.

Here's how their ideal transfer window might unfold.

Areas Requiring Reinforcement

Multiple positions demanded attention entering the summer transfer period, and the Citizens have already strengthened their squad in several crucial areas.

City recognized their need for a new left-back and quickly targeted and acquired Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while enhanced balance and skill was also essential in central midfield. Tijjani Reijnders should help address the gap created by club icon Kevin De Bruyne's departure, with the Dutch player being an outstanding box-to-box midfielder.

Guardiola has also brought in Rayan Cherki from Lyon as he seeks a flexible and inventive midfielder. The French player, who has already netted his debut goal for the team, can operate as an attacking midfielder or in a wider role on the right wing.

Nevertheless, certain areas still need enhancement. Right-back posed ongoing challenges for City last season, and with Kyle Walker's exit now confirmed, the club's scouting department can focus on finding an appropriate replacement. The Citizens cannot enter the new campaign with only Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes as senior alternatives.

Goalkeeper represents a position requiring evaluation in the coming period, though Ederson's choice to remain at City means a new keeper isn't immediately crucial. However, the Brazilian has shown decline recently and a long-term replacement must be secured shortly.

City might also benefit from adding another attacking midfielder to their roster. While Cherki and Reijnders will provide some needed creativity and Foden should eventually succeed De Bruyne, an additional No. 10 could assist City during injury periods and congested fixture schedules.

Ideal Acquisitions

Man City have already moved swiftly to address squad weaknesses and Guardiola is known for operating with a compact player group. However, departures are anticipated—both temporary and permanent moves—which should create space for new arrivals.

Regarding a new attacking midfielder, Man City showed interest in acquiring Florian Wirtz this summer before the German's transfer to Liverpool. They withdrew from negotiations due to the financial demands required to complete the deal, but a more budget-friendly option could be Morgan Gibbs-White, whom they have long appreciated. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was crucial to the surprising achievements of the east midlands team last season, though his acquisition would present complications.

Tottenham Hotspur activated the midfielder's £60 million release clause but faced legal threats from Nottingham Forest, who allege they made an improper approach to sign him. The player's agents have also received warnings about violating Premier League regulations, complicating a transfer this summer.

At right-back, Newcastle United's Tino Livramento represents a potential target. City reportedly maintain interest in the adaptable defender and the England international delivered another outstanding season at St James's Park in 2024–25. The 22-year-old would be a costly but impressive acquisition.

While recruiting a new goalkeeper seems likely to occur in a future transfer window, Porto's Diogo Costa is someone favored by the club. The Portugal international excels as a shot-stopper and demonstrates great skill with ball distribution, making him an ideal successor to Ederson.

Ideal Departures

City's aging roster will certainly be reduced this summer with several players expected to leave. Walker, De Bruyne and Scott Carson have already departed, but more will follow.

Removing Jack Grealish from the payroll will be the top priority, with the England international's exit seeming certain after his exclusion from the Club World Cup squad. Whether they can locate a realistic buyer remains uncertain, but Newcastle United and Napoli are among those expressing interest.

James McAtee appears likely to depart seeking increased playing opportunities, while players such as Kalvin Phillips, Issa Kaboré and Máximo Perrone will be sold.

İlkay Gündoğan has been connected with an exit and City would probably accept his departure following an inconsistent return to the club in 2024–25. Loan arrangements could be approved for players like Vitor Reis, Claudio Echeverri and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

Man City's 2025–26 Ideal Starting Formation

Livramento would probably enter the starting eleven immediately if signed, while Aït-Nouri is expected to do likewise on the opposite side. Ederson will remain in goal and Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol should start as center-backs—though Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Aké are excellent alternatives.

Reijnders could form part of a defensive midfield partnership with the returning Rodri, but the Dutchman might also be deployed in a more advanced role. Following his impressive Club World Cup performances, Foden should return to the starting lineup in attacking midfield, supported by Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Naturally, Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack as he aims to terrorize defenses for another campaign.

Man City 2025–26 ideal XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Livramento, Dias, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders; Savinho, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland.