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Enzo Maresca faced with first huge Man City transfer decision

Updated: 29 May 2026 16:13 BST | 4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Man City

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Enzo Maresca is expected to be formally appointed as the new Manchester City manager shortly and he will be faced with a pivotal first summer transfer window at the Etihad Stadium.

The 46-year-old, who left Chelsea by mutual consent on New Year’s Day, spoke to Man City officials before his eventual Stamford Bridge exit and he has been chosen as the club’s replacement for Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his final game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Spaniard’s 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium has officially come to an emotional end and Maresca, who was Guardiola's assistant manager for Man City’s treble-winning season in 2022-23, will pick up the baton.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is widely expected to become Maresca’s first signing as City boss, with an agreement on personal terms having been reached" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/man-city-elliot-anderson-reaches-agreement-in-principle-to-sign" target="_blank">with an agreement on personal terms having been reached, while a new forward is expected to be targeted if Savinho departs the club amid significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Furthermore, it has already been confirmed that Bernardo Silva and John Stones will leave Man City as free agents when their contracts expire in July, as the club prepare for a major squad overhaul this summer.

Meanwhile, Maresca’s first major transfer decision may be regarding the future of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who has attracted substantial interest from La Liga giants Barcelona ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Josko Gvardiol, Man City

Barcelona want to sign Josko Gvardiol

Barcelona are in the market for a new left-footed central defender and they have earmarked Gvardiol as a top target for the role after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni, who is set to remain at Inter Milan.

This has been confirmed by Spanish outlet COPE" href="https://www.cope.es/programas/el-partidazo-de-cope/audios/barca-trabajando-fichaje-gvardiol-defensa-manchester-city-comienzan-negociaciones-julian-alvarez-20260528_3373913.html" target="_blank">COPE, who report that Barcelona have “set their sights” on finalising a deal for the former RB Leipzig star, who has just two years remaining on his current contract at Man City.

Gvardiol only made 25 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season due to a broken leg and his place at left-back has now been taken by Man City wonderkid Nico O’Reilly, who is expected to start for England at this summer’s World Cup.

Furthermore, with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov forming an excellent partnership at centre-back, Maresca is set to be faced with a huge decision on whether to sanction the sale of Gvardiol this summer or keep him at Man City as a potential back-up option.