Mac Allister signs and Ederson replaced – how Man City could line-up under De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi remains the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next summer, despite recently becoming Marseille boss.

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain and the Spaniard is yet to indicate whether he would be willing to put pen to paper on a new deal. If he does leave, City will need to find a stylistic successor.

De Zerbi impressed during his time at Brighton and has since been talked up as the ideal Guardiola replacement, and he could look to reunite with several familiar faces if approached for the role…

Goalkeeper: BART VERBRUGGEN

Ederson has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months, and he could be granted his exit under De Zerbi. The Italian talked up the potential of Verbruggen during his time at Brighton and the Netherlands international has progressed significantly since the change of face in the Amex Stadium dugout.

The ex-Anderlecht star has admirers around Europe, including at Barcelona and Real Madrid, but City could have a financial advantage over those outfits if they opt to pursue the 22-year-old.

Defence: John Stones, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, LEVI COLWILL

Stones has shone when playing as an inverted full-back previously, and he could find himself in that role under De Zerbi. The Marseille boss is keen to build out with a back three at times, which could mean that a move for Colwill is considered.

De Zerbi pushed for the England international to remain at Brighton after a successful loan spell at the club in the 2022/23 campaign, often referring to him as a ‘loss’ after he returned to Chelsea to break into the Blues’ first team. Colwill already has admirers at City nonetheless, and the stars could therefore align for the Chelsea star to be pursued.

Midfield: Rodri, ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER, Phil Foden

With Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne not getting any younger, a new midfielder could be on the shopping list for De Zerbi if he arrives at City. The 45-year-old hailed Mac Allister on a weekly basis during his time with the Seagulls, and he could be the marquee arrival at the Etihad next summer. City were among a host of clubs to show an interest in the Argentina international prior to his move to Liverpool, but his price tag has soared since he touched down on Merseyside.