Only the weekend stands between Manchester City and the start of the summer transfer window. While focus currently rests on the World Cup, domestic clubs will be free to sign players for the 2026/27 season and beyond on Monday, June 15. Unlike last year when the window for many teams started with a bang, things could be slower to develop this summer.
Of course, the World Cup is a massive factor, however the wait to appoint Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor makes doing deals tricky. That being said, City know where they will need to prioritise themselves this summer.
Following the departure of Bernardo Silva, midfield will be where City level their focus this transfer window. The Portugal international was one of Guardiola's most trusted players and his departure leaves a hole in the squad that must be filled. Plus, with Rodri's future in doubt and other City stars facing uncertainty at the Etihad Stadium, the Blues' midfield could look altogether different next season.
Anderson Signs
Despite how much he could cost City this summer, Elliot Anderson remains the Blues' top priority to replace Bernardo. MEN Sport spoke to Nottingham Forest reporter Sarah Clapson this week about Anderson and it is clear the 23-year-old is highly rated in the East Midlands by fans and his club alike.
Clapson believes £100m is the starting point for any deal and that could be a concern for the Blues. Especially as Declan Rice is the benchmark that Forest are using. There is a sense in world football that City are at a crossroads following Guardiola's departure and some clubs may see this as their time to overtake the Blues. However, signing Anderson would be a statement of intent from City and would show they still mean business. That's why, in a dream world, he joins City this summer.
Rodri Stays
Overnight, Rodri sent a more committed message when speaking to the Spanish media out in America for the World Cup. The 29-year-old insisted he has not given his future a moment's thought before reiterating that he has one more year remaining on his City contract.
City fans will still remember Guardiola reiterating he had one year remaining before eventually deciding to leave, so caution is advised. But even if Rodri decides to stay just one more year, that will be a boost for City and Maresca. The Blues have lost leaders in their squad this summer and Rodri staying would at least push back one major replacement job for another year.
Gonzalez Decision
If Rodri does stay this summer, City will know his time at the club is on a countdown. As such, they need to spend the next year preparing for the future.
Nico Gonzalez was signed to be that man but it is fair to say Guardiola sacrificed him at the end of last season. The Spanish midfielder did struggle for chances in the second half of the campaign but it is difficult to jump straight into the cut and thrust of the title race after watching it from the bench. One of Maresca's big decisions when he joins is whether he wants Gonzalez to be his Rodri successor or not. If he does, then City need to play him more often than not to get him up to speed for life without his compatriot.
Phillips Leaves
What more is there to say about Kalvin Phillips? His time at City really has not worked out for anyone involved. He joined the club as one of England's brightest midfield prospects. However, he could leave this summer with that reputation in tatters after a mixture of injuries, poor loan spells and the damning realisation that he could not provide an alternative to Rodri.
It is hard not to feel sympathy for Phillips and there will be plenty at City who wish him the best in his next move. Working under Chris Wilder at Sheffield United could be the lift his career needs if the Blades sign him. At 30, he could still offer something in the EFL.
Reijnders Boost
It is tricky to see exactly where Tijjani Reijnders fits in the City puzzle currently. After a difficult run out against Salford in the FA Cup, he made just five further Premier League appearances - one of which being when Guardiola experimented with a second XI against Aston Villa on the final day.
If any City player needs a good World Cup, it is him. Having signed last summer for £46.3m, Reijnders is dangerously close to being left behind when the new era eventually begins. However, should he do well for the Netherlands as one of Ronald Koeman's trusted starters, he could put a new lease of life into his City career. There is an opportunity to challenge for Bernardo's spot next season but Reijnders has to take it when it comes.
