Manchester City are already looking ahead to the future, even though the current season is still running and there are important games to be played. Behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium, plans are quietly being put together for what could be one of the most important summer transfer windows of the Pep Guardiola era. The club knows that change is coming, and they are preparing for it carefully, patiently, and with a clear vision.
The January transfer window already gave fans a strong hint that a rebuild is underway. Manchester City made two statement signings by bringing in Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. These were not panic buys or short-term solutions. They were calculated moves made to refresh the squad and prepare for the next phase of Guardiola’s project. Semenyo arrived with power, pace, and versatility in attack, while Guehi came in as a calm and reliable presence in defence. Both players signed long-term contracts, showing that City are planning years ahead, not just months.
But even with those January additions, everyone at the club knows that more changes are coming. Several senior players are approaching uncertain moments in their careers. Some contracts are running down, some players have struggled with injuries, and others may simply feel that their time at the club is coming to an end. Pep Guardiola has always believed that no team can stand still. To stay at the top, you must evolve. Manchester City are now preparing to do exactly that.
One of the biggest concerns for City going into the summer is the midfield. For many years, the heart of the team has been controlled by intelligent, technical midfielders who understand Guardiola’s system perfectly. However, there are now serious questions about who will lead the midfield in the coming seasons. Bernardo Silva, the club captain, is out of contract soon, and his future remains unclear. Mateo Kovacic has struggled with injuries, making it difficult for him to build rhythm. Rodri, one of the most important players in the entire squad, has also had fitness issues and has already served suspensions this season.
Because of this, Manchester City are looking closely at midfield options, and one name continues to stand out above all others. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest has emerged as a serious target, and it is easy to see why. At just 23 years old, Anderson has already developed into one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. He is comfortable on the ball, strong in duels, intelligent in positioning, and brave in possession.
What really makes Anderson special is the way he controls games. He does not hide. He always wants the ball, even under pressure. His passing numbers this season are among the best in the league, and he consistently plays forward, breaking lines and moving his team up the pitch. He is not just a defensive midfielder or an attacking one. He can do both, which makes him perfect for a Guardiola system.
Reports suggest that Anderson himself is very interested in joining Manchester City. He is believed to admire Guardiola and sees City as the ideal place to take his game to the next level. Contacts have already been made between City and the player’s representatives, and the interest is genuine. The main problem, however, is the price. Nottingham Forest are not in a rush to sell, and they are believed to want around £100 million for a player they signed only two years ago.
For Manchester City, this creates a difficult decision. They rarely overspend, even though they have the financial power to do so. Guardiola wants players who fit the system, but the club must decide whether Anderson is worth such a huge investment. If Bernardo Silva leaves and the midfield needs a new leader, City may decide that this is a risk worth taking.
Another area of concern for Manchester City is the right-back position. For many years, Kyle Walker was the undisputed leader on the right side of defence. His pace, experience, and recovery ability saved City countless times in big games. Since his departure, the club has been searching for the right balance. Matheus Nunes has done well when used in that role, but he is naturally a midfielder, not a full-back.
Because of this, Manchester City are again looking at specialist right-backs, and one familiar name has returned to the conversation. Tino Livramento of Newcastle United has been admired by City for a long time. They tried to sign him before, but Newcastle’s asking price was simply too high. At that time, City decided to walk away rather than overpay.
Livramento is a modern full-back in every sense. He is quick, technically strong, comfortable on either side of defence, and intelligent in his movement. He suits Guardiola’s style because he can invert into midfield or overlap wide, depending on what the game requires. When fit, he is one of the most exciting defenders in the league.
However, fitness is the key issue. Livramento has struggled with injuries, and this season has been particularly frustrating for him. A hamstring problem has kept him out for long periods, and he has missed many matches. Manchester City are extremely careful when it comes to injury records, especially for players they plan to rely on long-term.
Newcastle are still determined to keep Livramento and are unlikely to lower their price easily. But if the defender continues to push for a move and City believe they can manage his fitness properly, talks could reopen in the summer. Much will depend on whether City see him as a guaranteed starter or just part of a rotation.
If Manchester City decide that Livramento is too risky, they already have another option on their list. Givairo Read of Feyenoord is a name that has impressed City scouts and analysts. At just 19 years old, Read has already gained significant first-team experience and has shown maturity beyond his age.
Read is not just a defender who stays back. He is aggressive going forward, confident in possession, and comfortable playing in different tactical roles. He can operate as a traditional right-back, a wing-back, or even step into midfield during build-up play. These qualities make him extremely attractive to Guardiola, who demands flexibility from his players.
The young Dutchman has already contributed goals and assists at senior level, and his performances have attracted attention from several top European clubs. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are both believed to be monitoring his situation closely. Feyenoord know they have a valuable asset, but unlike Newcastle, they may be more willing to negotiate if the price is right.
The expected fee for Read is far lower than what Newcastle would demand for Livramento. A deal in the range of £25 million to £30 million could be enough to secure his signature. For City, this represents a lower-risk investment with huge potential upside. The only concern, once again, is fitness, as Read has also struggled with a hamstring injury this season.
What is clear is that Manchester City are not rushing into decisions. They are studying every option carefully, weighing experience against youth, price against potential, and risk against reward. Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana are aligned in their thinking. They want players who can grow within the system, not just stars who arrive with big reputations.
The summer of 2026 could mark a turning point for Manchester City. It may be the moment when a new generation begins to take responsibility from the old guard. Fans may see familiar faces depart, but they will also see exciting new talents arrive, ready to write the next chapter of the club’s history.
Manchester City have always believed in planning ahead. That belief is once again guiding their actions. Whether it is a £100 million midfield general, a proven Premier League right-back, or a young European talent with massive potential, City know exactly what they are looking for. The rebuild may be quiet, but it is deliberate, and when the summer window opens, the direction of Guardiola’s next great City team will become clear.
