Manchester City are planning a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season, with a reported £300 million spending spree targeting Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala. The club, which has already seen the departures of legends Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson, is looking to build a new dominant cycle under Pep Guardiola or a potential successor.
Anderson, valued at over £100 million by Forest, is described as City's number one midfield target, offering energy, ball progression and tactical adaptability. Musiala, who could cost a club-record £110 million, is seen as the ultimate creative replacement for De Bruyne. The duo would transform City's midfield, alongside anchor Rodri and support from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic.
Defensively, City are well-stocked at centre-back with Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake, despite John Stones' impending departure. At left-back, Nico O'Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri provide depth. However, right-back remains a weak spot, with Newcastle's Tino Livramento identified as a prime target for around £70 million.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been outstanding, with James Trafford impressing as backup. Trafford may seek a starting role elsewhere, but City hope to retain him for another year. Marcus Bettinelli remains third-choice.
The overhaul follows a transitional 2025/26 campaign that saw City edge toward a domestic treble, but further departures of influential players like Bernardo Silva are expected. Mirror Football's analysis suggests the 'dream' squad would address key positions while sending a strong signal to rivals.
