Manchester City are preparing for a significant summer shake-up that could see key figures – including Spain midfielder Rodri, England’s Jack Grealish and Egypt international Omar Marmoush – leave the Etihad, according to a report.
US outlet The Athletic says City are open to broad changes to their first-team squad in the current transfer window as part of a restructuring plan ahead of the new season, with uncertainty surrounding several high-profile names.
Rodri future a major concern
The report describes Rodri’s situation as one of the biggest question marks facing the Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading defensive midfielders, has just one year remaining on his current deal and has not yet shown a clear willingness to sign an extension.
Negotiations are expected to resume after the conclusion of the World Cup, but his lack of public commitment has heightened speculation that he could move on, potentially triggering a major reconfiguration of City’s midfield.
Real Madrid are also said to be closely monitoring Portugal defender Ruben Dias, another cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s side, underlining the level of interest in City’s core players.
Marmoush among players facing uncertain futures
The Athletic lists Omar Marmoush among the players whose futures remain unresolved, placing the Egypt international in a group of City stars who may depart if suitable offers arrive.
Marmoush, who joined as part of City’s ongoing strategy of recruiting and developing emerging talent, has yet to secure a guaranteed long-term role in the first team. The report suggests his situation is still “not settled”, with decisions on his future expected as City finalise their squad plans for next season.
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is in a similar position, with no firm decision yet taken on whether he will stay at the Etihad or move on during the window.
Kovacic, Trafford and others tipped to move
Several other players are described as strong candidates to leave.
Mateo Kovacic, James Trafford and Nico Gonzalez are all highlighted as leading contenders to depart in the coming weeks. Brazilian forward Savinho is also attracting interest, with Tottenham Hotspur named as a potential destination should City decide to cash in.
Meanwhile, the report says Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish will be available for transfer if Manchester City receive offers they consider appropriate. Both players have struggled to secure consistent starts under Guardiola and could be allowed to move in order to free up space and funds for new signings.
Wide-ranging rebuild ahead of new season
According to The Athletic, all of these potential moves are part of Manchester City’s broader strategy to reshape their squad before the new campaign.
The club are said to be willing to sanction significant changes to their player list, even if that means parting with established or recently acquired names, as they attempt to refresh a side that has enjoyed sustained domestic and European success.
While no final decisions have been announced, the scale of the uncertainty – from Rodri’s contract stand-off and Real Madrid’s interest in Ruben Dias to the unresolved futures of Marmoush and Reijnders – points to a summer of unusually high turnover at the Etihad.
