A look at Manchester City’s potential starting XI for the new Premier League season - if transfer rumours prove to be accurate.
Manchester City have been one of the biggest-spending sides in the Premier League for many years now, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down as they enter the post-Pep Guardiola era – they’ve already broken their transfer record to buy Elliot Anderson, and there’s likely more to come.
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A right-back, a winger and a midfielder are all on the shopping list as the 2026/27 season approaches and we could see several big deals go down in the coming weeks as the club’s transfer team works to build a squad fit for new head coach Enzo Maresca’s purposes – and which can take back the title from Arsenal.
With deadline day still a few weeks away, we’ve looked at what Manchester City’s starting line-up might look like if they succeed in landing some of their targets at their reported price points – and it contains an enormous £685m worth of talent.
Could Manchester City spend £75m on a new right-back?
Will Manchester City sign Malo Gusto despite his hefty price tag?placeholder image
Will Manchester City sign Malo Gusto despite his hefty price tag? | Getty Images
GK – Gianluigi Donarumma (£26m): The Italian goalkeeper enjoyed a fine debut season at the Etihad and given the transfer fees paid for many of the other players in the squad, £26m looks like quite the bargain. He’s expected to get a new back-up in the shape of Gerónimo Rulli in the coming days, with James Trafford set to sign for Leeds.
LB – Joško Gvardiol (£78m): With Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Aït-Nouri in the team, there’s no clear-cut starter at left-back right now – but Gvardiol recently signed a new contract after getting assurances about his minutes, and will certainly be heavily involved whether it’s on the left or as a centre-back.
CB – Marc Guéhi (£20m): Another bargain, based on how well he played after signing from Crystal Palace back in January. Even with considerable competition for his place, Guéhi looks likely to be a regular under Maresca as he was under Guardiola.
CB – Rúben Dias (£65m): There has been some speculation that Dias could leave the club this summer, but as it stands the Portuguese defender is preparing to start the new season with Manchester City once more.
RB – Malo Gusto (£75m): It seems all but certain that City will sign a new right-back, and Gusto is among the options after playing under Maresca at Chelsea. The Blues’ asking price of £75m has cooled interest for now, but that could change as the deadline nears. Tino Livramento, another player on the shortlist, appears to be out of reach with Newcastle determined not to sell. We suspect that either City will find another option or negotiate a lower fee for Gusto, but there will be a new face here one way or the other.
£70m winger and club record signing in potential starting XI
Chelsea aren't actively looking to sell Pedro Neto - but are open to offersplaceholder image
Chelsea aren't actively looking to sell Pedro Neto - but are open to offers | Getty Images
CM – Elliot Anderson (£116m): Anderson is the most expensive player in City’s history and the second most expensive in British transfer history as well – it’s fair to assume that they didn’t pay that much for the former Nottingham Forest midfielder to rot on the bench.
CM – Ayyoub Bouaddi (£85m): With Rodri’s future still up in the air as Real Madrid pursue the Spaniard, City are in the hunt for a new midfielder – and are extremely keen to win the race to sign the wildly talented Moroccan international Bouaddi, who impressed at the World Cup and is regarded as one of the most talented young players in his position anywhere in the world. We believe this deal is likely to take place, with £80-85m the likely price point including add-ons.
LW – Pedro Neto (£70m): With Savinho increasingly likely to head to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City are believed to be keen to sign a new winger – and The Sun (not our favourite source, admittedly) reported this week that they’re considering a bid for Pedro Neto, who Chelsea are prepared to sell for £70m.
AM – Rayan Cherki (£36.5m): Cherki didn‘t have a stellar summer at the World Cup but his performances last season at the Etihad suggest that he will remain a staple moving forward – unless Phil Foden can recapture his best form.
RW – Antoine Semenyo (£62.5m): Semenyo had a big impact after signing from Bournemouth and quickly became the second biggest goal threat in the team behind Erling Haaland. His minutes seem secure for the foreseeable future.
CF – Erling Haaland (£51m): Just about the only truly rotation-proofed player in City’s squad. The Norwegian is riding the wave of a tremendous World Cup and it’s fair to assume that his form isn’t going to dip any time soon. You can make a case for almost every other player in this line-up getting switched out for someone else, but not Haaland.