Manchester Citys first season without Pep Guardiola for more than a decade marks the beginning of a new era. After Arsenal ended their wait for a Premier League title last season, the club acted quickly by appointing former assistant and ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who arrives with the task of restoring the Cityzens domestic dominance.Guardiola departed having transformed City into one of the greatest sides English football has ever seen, but despite lifting both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last term, finishing second in the league was viewed as falling short of expectations.Maresca inherits a squad still packed with elite talent, led by Erling Haaland, who once again finished among Europes most prolific goalscorers, but this summer has also highlighted the need for evolution rather than revolution.The headline arrival has been Elliot Anderson in a �116m move from Nottingham Forest, with the England midfielder viewed as the long-term heartbeat of Citys midfield. Youngsters Jeremy Monga and Pierce Charles have also arrived, while further reinforcements could yet follow before the transfer window closes.There have been notable departures, too. James Trafford has moved to Leeds United, John Stones and Bernardo Silva have both left as free agents as well.The biggest storyline, however, surrounds Rodri. Barcelona continue to pursue the Ballon dOr winner and City are already working on a deal for Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in anticipation of a possible exit. Losing Rodri would undoubtedly change the complexion of Citys season and remains the key issue to resolve before deadline day.Even so, there is optimism around Marescas appointment. He knows the club inside out, understands Guardiolas principles and has already shown during his managerial career that he is capable of implementing an attractive possession-based style while adding his own tactical ideas.Table of ContentsSummer Ins and OutsWhat do Manchester City need before the window closes?One to watch at Manchester CityPrediction for Manchester City in the 2026/27 Premier LeagueSummer Ins and OutsINElliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest �116mJeremy Monga from Leicester City �10mPierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday �3mMathys Detourbet from Troyes undisclosedOUTJames Trafford to Leeds United �40mNathan Ake to Fenerbahce �8.5mManuel Akanji to Inter Milan undisclosedReigan Heskey to Cologne �6mJahmai Simpson-Pusey to Cologne undisclosedJohn Stones to Inter Milan freeBernardo Silva to Real Madrid freeWhat do Manchester City need before the window closes?Everything depends on Rodris future.If the Spain international remains, Citys midfield already looks among the strongest in Europe with Anderson, Nico Gonzalez, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic providing support.Should Rodri leave, though, replacing arguably the worlds best holding midfielder becomes almost impossible. Bouaddi is an outstanding young talent and City are pushing hard to complete a deal, but expecting an 18-year-old to immediately fill Rodris boots would be unrealistic.Additional defensive cover may also be required following the departures of Stones.One to watch at Manchester CityElliot Anderson.The �116m price tag inevitably brings pressure, but the England midfielder looks tailor-made for Marescas system. His energy, ball-carrying ability and intelligence without possession should allow him to thrive alongside Citys established stars.Whether he becomes Rodris long-term midfield partner or eventually his successor, Anderson appears set to become one of the Premier Leagues best midfielders over the coming years.Prediction for Manchester City in the 2026/27 Premier LeagueReplacing Guardiola was never going to be easy, but City have appointed someone who knows exactly how the club operates. Maresca inherits one of the leagues strongest squads and, provided Rodri stays, there is every reason to believe City will mount another serious title challenge.However, Arsenal remain the benchmark after last season and their continuity could prove to be the difference over 38 matches.101 Great Goals Prediction: 2nd Topics Manchester City F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Why has the Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal been switched from Wembley to Cardiff? 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