Manchester City’s rebuild hinges on selling midfield trio

Manchester City have signalled openness to offers for midfielder Nico Gonzalez while Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush evaluate their futures, underscoring a summer rebuild that depends on player exits. The club’s ability to add further midfield talent beyond the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest will hinge on those departures.

Manchester City have completed a club‑record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson, arriving from Nottingham Forest. Director of football Hugo Viana is working closely with new manager Enzo Maresca to pinpoint additional signings for the 2026‑27 campaign.

Further midfield recruitment will be contingent on the club’s capacity to move players out. Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush are reported to be weighing options away from the Etihad Stadium this summer. The report, compiled by Jack Gaughan of Mail Sport, highlights these potential departures.

Kovacic has been a fixture in City’s midfield since joining from Chelsea in 2023. Marmoush arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 and is now also considering his future.

City are also listening to offers for Nico Gonzalez, adding a third midfielder whose future appears uncertain under Maresca’s plans.

Any departures would free squad space and financial resources that could be reinvested in up to five new signings across midfield, defence and attack.

The message from the Etihad is clear: Maresca’s vision for the squad will be shaped as much by who leaves this summer as by who arrives.