Could Manchester City be looking to restock this summer?

As Manchester City continue their preparations for Sunday’s crucial game against West Ham, the summer transfer window looms large in the background. It has the potential to be a busy summer window for the world champions.

There is the potential for Manchester City to look to regenerate their squad this summer. The age and sheer volume of football played by the world champions may force them to bring younger, fresher legs into Pep Guardiola’s squad. With that in mind, could City’s stockpiles at centre-back be an area the champions look to regenerate? Doesn’t appear to be a position of need for City. With Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol all capable of playing at centre-back, they look well covered in that area. But if one player were to leave, could that change City’s summer plans?

A recent report from Wayne Veysey for footballinsider247.com indicates that John Stones is unhappy about losing his starting position in City’s defence. Injury problems have plagued the England international this season. He has made just 16 Premier League appearances this season. It has been a frustrating campaign for the Stones.

It remains to be seen whether John Stones is considering his future at Manchester City. When fully fit, he is a key player in Pep Guardiola’s setup. But injuries have hampered Stones all season. Thanks to this, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias have become Pep Guardiola’s go-to men at the heart of City’s defence.

If Stones were to seek a new challenge this summer, who could Manchester City replace him? Although it’s a hypothetical scenario at this stage, it appears that there are two players who could play a role in City’s defence.

There could be two players who could come in and make an impact in the heart of City’s defence. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille defender Leny Yoro have both been linked with potential moves to Manchester City. David Kent previously reported for the Daily Mail that City were monitoring Jarrad Branthwaite. A report from Fraser Gillan for TeamTalk indicates that the world champions are among a host of clubs monitoring Leny Yoro’s progress.

Should Manchester City look to regenerate their squad as they continue to challenge for honours, both players could fit in as possible additions to City’s squad. Branthwaite has shone for Everton this season. Given his strong form and Everton’s delicate financial situation, they could be forced to cash in on their prized asset. Branthwaite looks like a defender who could thrive under Pep Guardiola. He is good in possession and has shone defensively this season for Sean Dyche’s side. He is one of England’s youngest defensive prospects. If Stones were to leave this summer, Branthwaite could be the ideal candidate to replace him.

Leny Yoro is a different proposition than Branthwaite. At 18, he is still a young player developing his game. But his form for Lille has been outstanding since rising to prominence at the heart of Lille’s defence. His performances for Lille have made him one of the most coveted young defenders in football. With his composure and ability in possession and his superb defensive talent, he is a player who could develop at Manchester City. It remains to be seen whether the champions would make a move for the young defender. But on closer inspection, he looks like a player who could find a place in City’s defence.

A report by Sebastian Stafford-Bloor for Athletic adds that Yoro’s contract expires in June 2025. Despite Lille’s offer to extend his contract, Stafford-Bloor report that the young defender has rejected their advances as he looks for a new challenge in his young career. This may lead to Manchester City moving for the young defender if the opportunity arises. Stafford-Bloor adds that Real Madrid are also chasing the young defender.

As it stands, Manchester City are well stocked with centre-backs. It is not a pressing need for Pep Guardiola’s side. While they are reportedly interested in Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro, the position does not appear to be a priority.

But if John Stones were to leave the club, that would force City’s hand. Should that situation arise, then Branthwaite and Yoro could become two players City target to rebuild their defence.