- Josko Gvardiol has been linked with a move away from Man City
- Enzo Maresca’s expected arrival could reshape the defensive hierarchy
- Ruben Dias may now face the bigger long-term question
Manchester City could soon face one of the biggest squad-planning decisions of the post-Pep Guardiola transition as uncertainty continues to grow around Josko Gvardiol.
Recent reports have linked the Croatian defender with a possible move away from Man City. Real Madrid have shown real interest in Gvardiol as the player’s agent offered him to the Spanish giants.
At the same time, Pep Guardiola is expected to leave this summer. Likewise, Enzo Maresca is reported to have a verbal agreement in place to replace the Catalan.
The Italian could inherit the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake in the back. However, the optionality will create problems for Maresca, and City will have to make some tough decisions.
Enzo Maresca arrival changes the defensive debate
Maresca builds using a 3-2 structure in possession with an inverted full-back alongside a pivot. Likewise, the wider centre-backs protect transitions and defend large spaces.
With mobility and flexibility playing a central role in the Italian’s tactics, Gvardiol may become an important figure under the new gaffer.
The Croatian can play as a left centre-back, left-back or even as an aggressive defender stepping into midfield zones.
By comparison, Dias is more of a traditional defensive leader. The Portuguese international still offers aerial authority, organisation and penalty box defending, but he lacks Gvardiol’s positional flexibility.
While it doesn’t make him a worse defender, Maresca’s requirements might result in some unexpected decisions.
Gvardiol remains too valuable to sacrifice
The 2025/26 campaign was marked by a long stretch of absence for Gvardiol. The defender was injured twice, missing 30 games in total for both Man City and Croatia.
However, he remains one of the best centre-backs for City. He’s been dribbled past only 0.07 times per 90, ranking in the top 7.8% of centre-backs in the Premier League.
His attacking output also remains one of the strongest in the English top-flight, highlighting his ball-carrying abilities.
Gvardiol has scored two goals in the league this season. He has also assisted twice, with a passing accuracy of 89.3%.
City should keep Gvardiol and let Maresca decide the rest
While Ruben Dias remains one of Man City’s most reliable defenders, his age remains a big factor in this decision.
Following reduced minutes at the Etihad, Nathan Ake, who also turned 31 this year, is expected to leave the club.
While Dias can be kept, that’d mean benching the likes of Guehi and Khusanov. Vitor Reis is another young centre-back who is hoping to stay at the Etihad next season.
Gvardiol, Guehi and Khusanov can’t be sacrificed as Maresca will likely see them as the future of the club. While Dias is still good enough to start for City, his long-term picture remains blurry.
The Citizens probably won’t force him out, although they will have to make a decision sooner or later. Regardless, Josko Gvardiol is too good an asset to lose and should be secured if possible.
