MANCHESTER, July 1 Betandsured. Enzo Maresca’s first summer at Manchester City is taking shape amid a backdrop of significant contractual uncertainty, with five first team players entering the final 12 months of their deals as the club navigates a new era without Pep Guardiola.
The Italian, who has returned to the Etihad on a three year contract after a period of compensation negotiations with Chelsea, inherits a squad that underwent considerable change before his arrival . Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already departed upon the expiry of their contracts, leaving a leadership void that Maresca must address . The club have moved swiftly to secure the £116 million signature of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a British record deal, but the futures of several key figures remain unresolved .
Rodri: The Great Unknown
The most significant question mark hangs over Rodri. The Spain international’s contract expires next summer, and speculation regarding a potential move to Real Madrid has persisted for months . The midfielder himself has spoken candidly about the allure of a return to Spain, though he has insisted his focus remains on the World Cup .
Reports have offered conflicting accounts of Real Madrid’s intentions. Some sources have suggested the Spanish giants have ruled out a move for the 30 year old this summer, with communication between the clubs clarifying their respective positions . Manchester City are understood to have submitted a significant renewal offer, with negotiations said to be progressing positively . However, the uncertainty surrounding his long term commitment presents Maresca with a complex challenge as he plots a new midfield structure.
The arrival of Anderson, who is expected to earn in the region of £300,000 per week on a five year deal, could help alleviate some of the creative burden on Rodri, while there were signs towards the end of last season that he was returning to his best following a serious cruciate injury .
Foden’s Commitment
Phil Foden represents the most settled case among the quintet. The 25 year old has agreed terms in principle on a new four year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2030, with the option of a further 12 months . The deal signals a commitment from both parties, despite the midfielder enduring a difficult second half of last season and failing to consistently replicate the form that earned him the Premier League Player of the Year award in 2024.
Foden is a boyhood City supporter and is expected to remain a central figure under Maresca . His new agreement is part of a broader strategy to secure the long term futures of key first team players as the club transitions into the post Guardiola era .
Ake’s Uncertain Future
Nathan Ake’s situation is less clear. The Dutch defender is expected to depart in search of more regular game time, having been knocked out of the World Cup with the Netherlands . The 31 year old’s future could be influenced by developments concerning Ruben Dias, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid .
City are keen to retain Dias and he is a candidate to be named club captain next season, but if he were to depart, Ake could fill the void of a fourth senior centre back .
Kovacic and Bettinelli
Mateo Kovacic, who barely featured last season due to injury, appears unlikely to receive a new deal given the increased competition in midfield following Anderson’s arrival . It remains to be established whether the parting of ways will occur this summer or next.
Marcus Bettinelli, meanwhile, appears certain to stay, fulfilling the role of a homegrown qualified goalkeeper who provides experience and leadership behind the scenes. A decision on the then 35 year old’s future will likely be taken next summer .
Maresca’s Vision
Maresca, who has described his squad as “young but very good,” has acknowledged that work remains to be done in the transfer market . His preference for a slightly larger squad than Guardiola maintained suggests that City could be in for one of their busiest windows in recent years . The Italian’s emphasis on the balance between youth and experience speaks to a broader philosophy that will define his tenure, but resolving the contractual uncertainty surrounding his key players will be as critical to City’s ambitions as any new signing .
