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A defining chapter in football history draws to a close as Manchester City's remarkable decade under Pep Guardiola reaches its emotional finale.
After nearly 600 games in charge, the iconic Spaniard departs with an unmatched legacy and 20 trophies to his name. For Man City, they step into uncertain territory, with Enzo Maresca widely expected to take the reins going forward.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss isn't the only high-profile exit, however, with club legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva also bidding farewell following outstanding careers at the Etihad Stadium.
Could Guardiola's departure trigger a mass summer exodus? Here are the players who may well follow him through the door.
Goalkeepers
Despite joining only last summer, James Trafford may already be heading for the exit. The City academy product returned to the Etihad following a standout stint at Burnley, hoping to step into Ederson's shoes in a fairytale homecoming. It didn't quite go to plan.
The opportunistic acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma quickly relegated Trafford from first choice to backup, limiting him to appearances in domestic cup competitions—both of which he won between the sticks.
However, with aspirations of overtaking Jordan Pickford as England's first-choice keeper, Trafford may need to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere for consistent playing time. The 23-year-old is a talented shot-stopper, but dislodging Donnarumma in the near future seems unlikely.
Defenders
Stones' exit means City are already set to lose a key defensive figure this summer, but the England international may not be the only defender heading for the door.
City are exceptionally well-covered at centre-back, with January signing Marc Guéhi bolstering a backline that already includes Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov. That depth could pave the way for Nathan Aké's departure. The injury-prone Dutchman's impact has clearly diminished in recent campaigns due to his persistent fitness concerns.
With Aké's deal running until the end of 2027, selling him now may represent the smartest move for City.
Manuel Akanji is set to depart this summer after activating the obligation clause in his loan deal with Inter following their Serie A triumph, while Rico Lewis' future remains far less clear.
The versatile youngster appeared destined for a central role in City's future under Guardiola, capable of operating at right back or in central midfield, yet he was largely sidelined by his manager throughout 2025–26. Lewis, who penned a five-year extension last summer, managed just three Premier League starts.
Maresca will need to determine whether Lewis fits into his long-term vision, but the outlook appears uncertain for the gifted 21-year-old.
Midfielders
City will be desperate to hold onto Rodri this summer, but the matter may be beyond their control. The Ballon d'Or holder is said to be keen on a move to Real Madrid and could push for a return to Spain, even if Los Blancos' pursuit of the defensive midfielder has cooled over the past twelve months.
Replacing Rodri would be an enormous challenge, as City have painfully discovered through a series of costly injury absences, and they will be hoping Maresca can persuade him to remain at the Etihad a while longer.
A player City would be less reluctant to lose is Mateo Kovačić. While undeniably capable on his best days, the Croatian missed virtually the entire season through injury and looks a straightforward sale given his contract runs until 2027 and he turns 33 next May.
Kalvin Phillips will finally complete his permanent departure from City as a torrid chapter comes to an end, providing further relief to the club's wage bill.
City will need to strengthen their midfield if all three leave, with Rodri's exit proving particularly significant. Enzo Fernández, who thrived under Maresca at Chelsea, could emerge as a viable option to reinforce a midfield that would otherwise be stretched thin.
Forwards
A potent attacking four of Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki looks set to be City's preferred frontline under Maresca—a combination that served Guardiola well in the closing stages of his brilliant tenure. Yet their presence leaves some quality options warming the bench.
Omar Marmoush, signed just 18 months ago, may grow tired of playing second fiddle to Haaland, and rumours of a summer departure are already circulating. The Egyptian international deserves a more prominent role at a top club, having consistently shown his quality during his time in Manchester.
Savinho is another who merits more game time, having come close to leaving City last summer. The Brazilian only committed to staying at the club back in October, but Maresca's appointment has introduced fresh uncertainty around his future. The winger is undeniably gifted, yet his recent exclusion from Brazil's World Cup squad underlines the urgency for more regular football.
Jack Grealish looks to have reached the end of the road at the Etihad and is expected to move on this summer. A promising loan spell at Everton was unfortunately cut short by injury in January, and the Englishman seems unlikely to reclaim his place in Manchester given the fierce competition for attacking spots.