Wirtz and Camavinga sign, Grealish gone – Man City predicted XI for first 25/26 match
Pep Guardiola could wave goodbye to Man City stars Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Ederson during a summer of major change at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola has been tipped to leave Man City at the end of the season, but with his team failing to live up to their usual standards, the Catalonian is unlikely to depart the club when it needs him most.
After being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and the EFL Cup by Tottenham, the Citizens are battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League while the FA Cup is also on the line.
With so much negativity surrounding the current squad, supporters are expecting De Bruyne to seal a move away from Man City, which could just be the beginning of an entire overhaul this summer.
While big-money moves were made for Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov during the winter transfer window, there have only been a few signs of improvement on the pitch.
With the likes of John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne and Grealish all tipped to depart at the end of the season, a much-changed side is certainly expected.
Here’s how Football Insider predicts Man City will line up for their first match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Diogo Costa to replace Ederson as Andrea Cambiaso joins
Diogo Costa
Football Insider revealed Ederson is not against leaving Man City this summer, which opens the door for business to be done with FC Porto for talented shot-stopper Diogo Costa, who has gained traction thanks to his incredible displays in the Champions League. Just as good as Ederson with the ball at his feet, even better at stopping shots with his hands – the 25-year-old looks like a top choice this summer. Paul Robinson, however, is concerned for Man City when it comes to Costa’s transfer fee, but the club have never been afraid to spend where it matters.
Andrea Cambiaso
While more of the Italian’s appearances have come on the left than the right this season, his adaptability makes him a superb option for Guardiola’s plans moving forward. Football Insider revealed in January that Cambiaso was “keen” to join Man City but a deal never materialised. Hopefully, an entire summer should be long enough to strike a deal with Juventus.
Manuel Akanji
City’s defeat to Real Madrid certainly went downhill after Akanji was forced off through injury, and after sharing an injury update from his hospital bed, the team has been missing his stature in the centre of defence. Given that he only cost the club £15million in August 2022 [Sky Sports], he is turning out to be quite the investment, one which could prove imperative next season.
Ruben Dias
With signs pointing to a summer exit for Stones, and new defender Vitor Reis struggling for minutes, the second centre-back spot looks to be a fight between Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov. Given everything the Portuguese giant has achieved during his time in Manchester, it would be difficult to see Guardiola going against one of his first choices for the new Uzbekistan youngster.
Josko Gvardiol
The Croatia international has been a rare shining light for the Citizens this season, making the left-back spot his own while adding another five goals to his Premier League tally. Though he was initially signed as a centre-half, he has flourished in his new position and leaves City with no need for a new left-back.
Rodri
The return of Rodri will be one of the most emotional moments for Man City fans, whenever that happens. Rumours suggested he could be back before the 2024/25 concludes, but with little left to fight for, it does not make sense to risk him again. Nico Gonzalez has been tasked with filling the Spaniard’s shoes, but with the former Porto man struggling to get to grips with the Premier League, fans are desperate for Rodri to recover from injury and go straight back into the starting lineup.
Eduardo Camavinga in sights despite Nico Gonzalez deal
Eduardo Camavinga
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Camavinga wants to switch Real Madrid for Man City this summer, which would offer Guardiola a completely different option in the middle of the park. His ability to also deputise at full-back would provide almost the perfect player for the manager’s set-up, with his energy and tenacity likely to be infectious for the rest of his teammates and take some of the pressure off Rodri in midfield. With only eight starts in La Liga this season, it might not be so difficult to draw him away from the Bernabeu.
Florian Wirtz
Man City have held behind-the-scenes talks with Florian Wirtz’s representatives, Mick Brown told Football Insider, and supporters are, unsurprisingly, jumping out of their seats for the German gem to be signed. With 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, the 21-year-old has every chance of becoming De Bruyne’s successor, should the Belgian depart the club this summer. It will be incredibly difficult for anyone to replace him, but given Wirtz’s performances across Europe, he will certainly give it a go in the Premier League.
Savinho
Savinho has shown bright sparks since joining from City Football Group’s Troyes last summer, bringing flair and excitement to the right flank and working well with his teammates in the final third. With two goals and nine assists across all competitions during his first year in England, supporters are excited to see what the Brazilian can continue once he settles down properly.
Erling Haaland remains in Man City frontline despite summer of change
Phil Foden
The England international has been nowhere near his best this season, much like his teammates, but having still notched 16 goal contributions, City would be foolish to look elsewhere than the 24-year-old this summer. Homegrown, incredibly passionate, and extremely talented on the ball – there is no one better to help restore City to its former glory after a campaign from hell, not even Marmoush.
Erling Haaland
While Haaland is suspected of rueing a mega-deal with Man City, the Norwegian star is still very much an integral part of the squad, and with another nine years on his stay at the Etihad, it would take an eye-watering amount of money to make the club even think about selling. Even when the striker is supposedly at his worst, only Mohamed Salah leads him in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Man City are expected to end a lot of long-term stays at the Etihad Stadium, many of which could end in tears for many supporters. However, given the number of exciting transfer links, those tears could quickly turn to joy ahead of next season.