Seven Manchester City stars could leave in first Enzo Maresca decision | OneFootball

Manchester City could yet sanction permanent exits for seven players in the first few acts of Enzo Maresca’s tenure, according to a new report.

Following the conclusion of the Pep Guardiola era – solidified by a £17 million settlement with Chelsea for their former Italian coach – Hugo Viana has moved at speed to hand his new manager a record-breaking £116 million signing in Elliot Anderson.

In order to balance the books and shape the squad strictly around Enzo Maresca’s high-intensity, fluid tactical requirements, the club’s sporting director has also commenced a comprehensive evaluation of the existing roster.

Loose reports of potential outgoings have quickly solidified into a possible exit strategy that could see several foundational pieces of Manchester City’s recent trophy-laden eras now deemed surplus to requirements.

With the senior squad scheduled to report back for pre-season on 20 July ahead of the start of Far-East tour – beginning with Inter Milan in Hong Kong on 1 August – the club appears ready to sanction a further summer clear-out.

Seven names tipped for Man City exits

According to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Nathan Ake is one high-profile name within the Manchester City squad expected to leave this summer amid interest from the Premier League and abroad.

It is further stated that £25 million-rated Rico Lewis is ‘one to watch’ over the coming weeks, whilst Tottenham will need to meet City’s valuation of Savinho, which is thought to be north of £60 million.

Elsewhere, Croatian international Mateo Kovacic is said to be ‘considering his options’ alongside Omar Marmoush, while Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana are reportedly ‘open to listening to offers’ for Nico Gonzalez.

Despite reports earlier this month pointing towards the defender staying, Gaughan now insists that a departure for central defensive star Ruben Dias ‘cannot be discounted’, particularly a reunion with Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho.

Could a transfer market domino effect be about to take place?

Losing a leader of Dias’ stature would deal a severe blow to the dressing room, but it would simultaneously unlock further financial reserves and potentially allow Viana to pursue other defensive targets like Chelsea’s Malo Gusto or another figure at right-back.

Additionally, with Tottenham hunting for winger reinforcements, cashing in on Savinho for a fee north of £60 million would represent a staggering return on their initial investment via the City Football Group network.

Whether Hugo Viana successfully executes all seven departures or chooses to retain a select few for depth, Manchester City’s summer transfer blueprint makes it clear that no senior star – barring only a handful of names – is safe as a ruthless new era begins.