Watching their Champions League adventure come to a thumping end on Tuesday night as they eventually fell to a 5-1 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid, Manchester City have endured a public nightmare over the past fortnight.
With their Premier League title dreams hanging by a thread and seeking a real miracle in the race to stop Arsenal claiming a first domestic crown since 2004, Pep Guardiola’s men face the prospect of once again failing to secure a single piece of silverware this season.
Ending the 2024/25 campaign without a trophy to show for their troubles, there has also been plenty of speculation over Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad.
Facing the prospect of what could be a major overhaul this summer, a number of Man City’s biggest names have been linked with a blockbuster move away from the blue half of Manchester.
Bernardo Siva
While Bernardo Silva might still be waiting to officially announce his future past the end of the season, it appears almost certainly that the Portuguese international will be ending his record-breaking tenure at the Etihad.
Since arriving from Monaco way back in 2017, Silva has cemented his spot as a modern era icon in the blue half of Manchester and stands among the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
However, shown a first-half red card during City’s Champions League exit on Tuesday night, the 31-year-old is reportedly keen on trying a new adventure this summer and looks set to leave the Etihad on a free transfer.
Claiming 17 pieces of major silverware during his nine-year spell with the Premier League giants and playing a leading role as City got their hands on a maiden European crown three years ago, Silva isn’t short of interest.
Alongside reported interest from Atletico Madrid and boyhood club Benfica, Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Wednesday that Italian giants Juventus have already held initial discussions with Silva’s representatives over a potential free switch.
Bernardo Silva has received his first red card in the UEFA Champions League in what is his 104th appearance in the competition. 🟥 pic.twitter.com/wUXBC1ugPK
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) March 17, 2026
Rodri
Alongside Silva’s expected departure from the Etihad this summer, there is mounting speculation that another of Manchester City’s midfield icons could be heading for a blockbuster exit.
Refusing to pledge his future to Guardiola’s side on Tuesday after being asked about his future in Manchester past the 2025/26 campaign, the former Ballon d’Or winner has largely failed to find his dominant best this season.
Now officially in the final 18 months of his current deal with the Sky Blues, there has been no indications from both parties that talks are progressing over an extension and it has been suggested that the City hierarchy have delayed discussions.
Dealing with multiple muscle injury concerns this season, the 29-year-old has been linked with a potential return to Spain and it has been reported that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on agreeing a deal for the 59-cap international this summer.
With Guradiola’s side knowing that this could be their final chance to receive a significant fee for their midfield talisman, it has also been suggested that City have identified English ace Elliot Anderson as a potential Rodri replacement.
🚨⚠️ Rodri when asked if he will leave Manchester City this summer: “I’m not going to answer that”.
“It’s a time to think about what we have now, with my team, about my season, which is quite a lot, and then we’ll see…”, told Carrusel. pic.twitter.com/zugUNShSBz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2026
John Stones
Arriving at the Etihad a decade ago after joining from Everton for a reported fee of £47.5million, John Stones has won every single major honour that is achievable and has lifted six separate Premier League titles.
However, watching fellow England international Kyle Walker leave the club on a permanent basis last summer, Stones is the last of the old guard and has somewhat become a forgotten man in Manchester.
Left as an unused substitute during City’s Champions League exit against Los Blancos on Tuesday night, the one-time Barnsley youngster has made only seven Premier League appearances this season and his current deal is set to expire this summer.
Set to turn 32 before the end of the season and with all parties already accepting that Stones will complete an emotional Etihad farewell following his 10-year stint, clubs from across the globe are keeping a close eye on proceedings.
While Stones might be set to end his decade-long stay with the Premier League giants this summer, TEAMtalk reported this week that David Moyes has already given the green light over a potential return to Everton.
Everton keen on reunion with John Stones, set to be available on a free transfer.
31y/o Man City defender understood to be open to potential #EFC return but will have many options this summer.
One to watch.
W/ @GraemeBailey @TEAMtalk ⤵️ https://t.co/dLx1JRh8ov
— Harry Watkinson (@HJWatkinson) March 17, 2026