Manchester City are considering what their ‘dream’ team would look like for next season as they aim for a great end to the 2025/26 season.
Elliott Anderson could be one of several high-profile signings for Man City this summer (Image: Getty Images)
With the 2026/27 season just around the corner, Manchester City appear to have undergone a marked transformation compared to the team that dominated the opening games of the past decade. The departure of legends like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson last summer marked a clear transition to a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium.
What initially looked like a rebuilding effort for the 2025/26 season has since evolved into something much more interesting, with City now on course for an impressive domestic treble. However, the overhaul is still ongoing.
The departure of influential players such as John Stones and Bernardo Silva will create a noticeable void, and attention is now firmly focused on reinforcements. City’s decisions about arrivals, departures and the structure of the next version will determine whether a new dominant cycle can be built, either under Pep Guardiola or under his successor.
With that in mind, Mirror Football looked at what Manchester City’s ‘dream’ team would look like for next season.
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goalkeeper
City are in a strong position in the goalkeeping department. Gianluigi Donnarumma was outstanding, playing a key role in tilting the title race in City’s favor with his commanding presence and key interventions in big matches.
Behind him, James Trafford has impressed whenever called upon, particularly in recent months. But retaining him may be difficult. Trafford, who wants consistent first-team action at home and abroad, is unlikely to accept a long-term back-up role. Still, City want to maintain their depth and keep him for another year before potentially sanctioning a big-money move.
Further down the hierarchy, Marcus Bettinelli is the third-choice goalkeeper. The former Chelsea shot-stopper is yet to feature since joining last summer, but could provide experienced back-up if needed.
Man City are well stacked between the sticks (Image: Getty Images)
defender
Despite John Stones’ impending departure, City still have plenty of centre-back talent. Mark Gehi has adapted smoothly to life at the Etihad since arriving from Crystal Palace in January, forming a strong partnership with Abdukkodir Kusanov. This season, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are also expected to return from long-term absences due to injury, adding to their quality alongside Nathan Ake.
The situation is equally certain at left-back. Nico O’Reilly has emerged as an outstanding performer since breaking into the first team, with Rayan Ayet-Nouri providing an energetic and reliable replacement.
However, right back is an area that still needs reinforcement. Matheus Nunez performed admirably in the void, but the Portugal international is a midfielder by trade and is not a long-term solution in that position. As a result, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento has emerged as a key target.
Tino Libramento would be an ideal addition at right-back (Image: Getty Images)
The England international has been pursued by City for some time and a fee of around £70m is likely to be required to secure his signature after another impressive campaign at St James’ Park. Still, City may think it’s worth the investment to secure a player of Livramento’s quality and finally solve a position that lacks a long-term natural solution.
midfielder
The midfield is where the biggest changes can occur. City still need to replicate De Bruyne’s creative influence and investing a club-record £110m in Jamal Musiala will help them achieve that, while also sending a strong signal to their competitors. The Bayern Munich star represents the ultimate ‘dream’ acquisition, bringing elite creativity, vision and goal-scoring threat.
Alongside him, Elliott Anderson is also a dream signing. Nottingham Forest reportedly value the versatile 23-year-old at more than £100m, but his energy, progression on the ball and tactical adaptability could justify the cost from City’s perspective.
Elliott Anderson is reportedly City’s number one target in central midfield (Image: Getty Images)
At the base of midfield, Rodri is the undoubted anchor, controlling the tempo and providing defensive stability. He is supported by a strong group including Tijani Lijnders, Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic, providing both depth and versatility in the central position.
Further down the road, competition for creative roles is already fierce. Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have been battling for 10th place all season. Musiala’s arrival will only intensify the competition and could even push Foden, who has played behind Cherki at times this term, further down the pecking order.
Still, City are unlikely to part ways with Foden easily. Given Guardiola’s focus on rotation and tactical flexibility, there is still a clear opportunity to regain form and reaffirm his importance within the team.
forward
In attack, City will continue to build around versatile Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who is expected to lead the team for many years to come. But the supporting cast around him has evolved. The signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in January has already introduced a more direct and physically dominant dimension to City’s frontline, something that was often lacking under Guardiola.
Jeremy Doku, on the other hand, displays explosive speed and unpredictability in one-on-one situations, strengthening defenses and creating chances for his teammates. The potential addition of Musiala would further strengthen this attacking group, adding both quality and depth in a wide range of areas.
Jamal Musiala will be a huge addition to City’s front line (Image: Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Savinho and Omar Marmouche contribute additional options and style variations. Savinho offers flair and technical precision on the wing, while Marmouche brings versatility, able to play centrally or flow wide to connect plays.
The full team is: Donnarumma, Trafford, Bettinelli. Libramento, Guehi, Diaz, Kusanov, Gvardiol, Ake, O’Reilly, Eight-Nouri, Ruiz. Rodri, Anderson, Kovacic, Reynders, Gonzalez, Nunez, Cherki, Musiala. Semenyo, Doku, Sabinyo, Marmouche, Haaland.
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