Maresca inherits just 13 squad certainties as City face summer of upheaval

Enzo Maresca is set to inherit a Manchester City squad with as few as 13 players considered genuine certainties for next season, as a wave of potential departures and contract uncertainties threatens to reshape the Etihad’s roster ahead of his first campaign in charge.

The already-confirmed exits of Bernardo Silva and John Stones have opened gaps, but the uncertainty runs deeper. Rodri’s future is among the most pressing concerns — the Spain midfielder has just 12 months remaining on his contract and has attracted interest from Real Madrid. While he would walk into City’s strongest XI when fully fit, his presence next season is far from guaranteed.

Savinho is another whose future is in doubt, with Tottenham exploring a deal for the Brazilian winger. James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush are also among the senior players who could move on before the window closes.

Josko Gvardiol has drawn transfer interest despite being under a long-term contract, though City’s position is that it would take an exceptional offer to sanction his sale. The Croatian’s situation is further complicated by the emergence of Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, who have impressed and may represent the club’s long-term centre-back pairing. That in turn raises questions about Ruben Dias, though the Portugal international is in line to be named club captain and is considered more likely to stay than leave.

Among the clearer certainties, Gianluigi Donnarumma is assured of his place as first-choice goalkeeper, with Marcus Bettinelli also set to remain as third choice on a deal that runs another 12 months and helps satisfy homegrown quotas. Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes are expected to be the starting full-backs.

Phil Foden is close to agreeing a new contract and will look to rediscover his best form after a summer without international football, having been left out of England’s World Cup squad. Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki both enjoyed standout seasons, while January arrival Antoine Semenyo made an immediate impact after joining in the winter window.

To address the gaps, City are working on a deal for Elliot Anderson and are expected to pursue at least one central midfielder and a right-back. The scale of the rebuild will depend heavily on how many of the uncertain names ultimately depart — but Maresca faces a significant squad-shaping exercise before a ball is kicked next season.