Pep Guardiola opted for major squad changes this summer as he looks to drag Manchester City back into Premier League title contention.
The Catalan coach has already won six titles since his arrival in Manchester and his link to the Etihad Stadium is now extended until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
As part of his plan to bring City back up to their previous level, he allowed some of his most trusted lieutenants to leave, as former club captain trio Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan all moved on.
Guardiola spent an estimated £181m on new players including moves for Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and a late swoop on PSG for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The changes have also triggered a leadership switch, with Bernardo Silva taking over the captain's armband, despite being out of contract next summer.
The Portugal international is open to a renewal, but he also has offers on the table from Serie A, the Saudi Pro League and his first club Benfica, as the 31-year-old considers his next move.
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Silva has developed into a fan favourite, with 2025/26 his ninth season in Manchester, and 73 goals scored in 414 appearances.
Despite being a key part of all six of Guardiola's league title wins, the sensation is one of evolving change, and Silva's Portugal teammate Joao Neves is viewed as an ideal replacement.
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Despite bringing in Reijnders to add drive to the City midfield, a move to Neves would force Guardiola to reshape his engine room, with the 21-year-old accustomed to playing in a midfield three.
As per Football Insider, Neves is the 'dream signing' for Guardiola, but PSG are not looking to sell at this point.
Under contract until 2029, with a valuation of £70m, PSG's stance is strong and Guardiola will need to convince the player over his long-term targets to get the wheels in motion.
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes remains on Guardiola's radar, but the Magpies will fight for him, and his transfer value is close to Neves' in Paris.
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