Man City's dream 24-man Premier League squad after three major transfers

Manchester City are in line for an interesting summer transfer window whether Pep Guardiola opts to stay or not

Manchester City will be expected to challenge across all competitions next season, regardless of whether Pep Guardiola stays or leaves. The City head coach has a year remaining on his contract and has not broken a deal in his managerial career so it seems unlikely he will start that practice this summer.

City can register a maximum of 25 players for the Premier League next season. However, U21 players do not need to be registered in order to play in the top flight. Those born on or after January 1, 2005, are likely to be classed as U21 players and do not need to be registered.

This means Carabao Cup final hero Nico O'Reilly will not feature in the list below but will still play for the Blues next season. With this in mind, here is how MEN Sport envisages City's dream Premier League squad to look in 2026/27.

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Goalkeepers

In a dream scenario, City would manage to keep hold of both Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford in the summer transfer window. They lose little playing either man in goal but whether Trafford remains happy to play as a second choice at this stage of his career remains to be seen.

Marcus Bettinelli will likely remain as City's third choice goalkeeper. Considering the affection towards Scott Carson, you cannot underestimate how valuable his role is for the Blues.

Marcus Bettinelli, Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford

Defenders

There was interest in Rico Lewis last summer and after this season, it would be surprising if the full-back stays at the Etihad Stadium. John Stones is out of contract at the end of this campaign and is unlikely to be offered a new deal after multiple injury problems.

City invested in the defence in January when Marc Guehi arrived and with Abdukodir Khusanov needing to be registered next season, it is unlikely the Blues will add another centre-back to this team. A left-back is the only likely new addition and Barcelona's Alejandro Balde could be the man to target.

He has impressed for the La Liga giants and would offer good competition to Rayan Ait-Nouri while freeing O'Reilly to play in midfield.

Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nathan Ake, Alejandro Balde, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Matheus Nunes

Midfielders

Rodri raised eyebrows this week when he opened the door to leaving City either this summer or next. Guardiola would love to keep him for another season, hence why he is included in this squad list.

Bernardo Silva looks set to leave City at the end of his deal so is not included below. City could look to future proof their midfield by signing a couple of the Premier League's most impressive midfielders - Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

Both would strengthen the midfield with Tonali adding the flair that will be missed, should Bernardo exit.

Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, Sandro Tonali

Forwards

City are unlikely to make any major additions to their attack after Antoine Semenyo joined in January. The Blues will be content with their forward line particularly with Erling Haaland leading the attack.

Savinho will need to be registered next season so should be added to the squad list. A full season without injuries is exactly what he needs to kickstart his City career.

Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Savinho, Antoine Semenyo