This summer will likely be a return to normalcy for Manchester City.
Last year's summer transfer window was uncharacteristically hectic as wild changes swept through the club. Four players - Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Aleks Zinchenko - who've been so pivotal to the success under Pep Guardiola moved on to signal a new era.
While that was revolution, this year it will be evolution with only a couple of tweaks and changes expected. Still, it will likely be an exciting summer and here's what City's ideal squad could look like next season.
ALSO READ: Foden withdraws from England squad
Goalkeepers
Ederson, Ortega, Carson
Ederson has had some critics this season but he isn't going anywhere any time soon. City are well set on goalkeepers with Stefan Ortega as backup. Scott Carson may see his contract extended by a further year so he can remain in the squad but Bolton Wanderers loanee James Trafford will be pushing for his spot.
Defenders
Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake, Lewis, Akanji, Gvardiol, Cancelo
City would probably want to keep hold of Aymeric Laporte if possible but if he's frustrated with his lack of minutes and keen to move away it wouldn't be the end of the world to lose him. Manuel Akanji has been a huge surprise this season, Ruben Dias remains imperious and Nathan Ake has improved hugely under Guardiola. Besides, if they replaced him with the colossal Josko Gvardiol then it would likely be an upgrade as well as a much younger player.
Joao Cancelo's future is still uncertain with it looking increasingly unlikely Bayern Munich will pay the £60million it would take to make his switch permanent. So he may well be back at City next summer after all and that's no bad thing. He remains an excellent player and if bridges can be mended the signing of a left-back can probably be put on hold again with Ake and Lewis in reserve. It'd be surprising if Sergio Gomez is in the squad next season though, with a loan or permanent exit seeming likely.
Midfielders
Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Phillips, Bellingham
The biggest priority for City in the summer has to be bringing fresh blood into the midfield given two of their starters are well into their 30s. Jude Bellingham is the obvious signing and it would be an incredible one. The Borussia Dortmund star is still a teenager but is already one of the best midfielders in the world and would only get better with Guardiola's tutorship. It would cost a whole lot of money but, like Erling Haaland last year, it makes too much sense. Bellingham has all the qualities to be the dynamic, creative and energetic beat of the midfield like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan have been for years.
Speaking of those two, a dream window would also see them both remain at the Etihad. Gundogan's contract is set to expire in the summer and a new one is yet to be agreed. It would be a blow to lose the captain and such a great player. Likewise, Bernardo may again look to leave in favour of a return to Europe and City can only hope no bids come in for him again.
Forwards
Haaland, Grealish, Foden, Mahrez, Palmer, Alvarez
City are well set in the attacking areas thanks to Haaland and Julian Alvarez having great impacts since their arrivals. With Jack Grealish now reaching his best form along with Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez continuing their good work there will be no need for any new forwards.
READ NEXT
- Catch up on the latest City news, views and analysis
Rodri on course to win the one City award Pep Guardiola loves
Kalvin Phillips makes honest admission about 'difficult' City decision
City transfer advantage over rivals that shows no sign of slowing down
Pep Guardiola and Gary Neville on what 'forgotten' City star can offer
