​We asked you to send in questions for BBC Sport’s Manchester City reporter Shamoon Hafez. In the first part of a special Q&A, he tackles two hot topics for City’s 2026-27 campaign: who will be the first-choice goalkeeper and whether Rodri could depart this summer.
Dave asks: Should City keep James Trafford and sell Gianluigi Donnarumma? Shamoon responds that naming the number-one goalkeeper is one of the key decisions Enzo Maresca faces. He notes that Maresca prefers a keeper who is confident with the ball at his feet, and in that regard Trafford appears to have the edge over Donnarumma. Trafford impressed when called upon last season, starring in City’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup runs that culminated in Wembley triumphs. Donnarumma, meanwhile, is Italy’s captain, a compatriot of Maresca, and a goalkeeper who produced crucial saves across the Premier League and Champions League last season. The manager is unlikely to swing dramatically on such a decision, and even if City considered selling Donnarumma, the question becomes which top clubs in Europe could afford not only his transfer fee but also his substantial wages.
Mike asks: With Pep Guardiola set to depart and the record-breaking signing of Elliot Anderson, if Real Madrid were to bid for Rodri this summer, could City be tempted to sell? Shamoon points out that City’s performance varies significantly with Rodri in the side versus without him. The Spain captain provides crucial protection and a level of footballing intelligence that few players can match. He recalls the late-season clash at Everton when City lost control after Rodri’s absence, a 3-3 draw that ultimately contributed to Arsenal clinching the title. Shamoon asks readers to consider whether Rodri’s presence could have altered that outcome had he been on the pitch to stabilise the ball and pace the game. Rodri’s name continues to be linked with Real Madrid, and he is entering the final year of his contract. Reports suggest a new deal is on the table, though he has yet to sign it. The 29-year-old has indicated he will decide his future after the World Cup, and club sources say they’re counting on him for next season.
Keep an eye on this page on Wednesday as parts two and three of the Q&A roll out. The next installments will dive into topics including Manchester City’s defence and Maresca’s starting XI. For more on City’s season and the surrounding transfer talk, tune in as Shamoon Hafez provides further insight in the forthcoming segments. This feature is designed to keep you up to date and to offer expert perspectives on the squad’s plans for 2026-27, with an emphasis on goalkeeper selection, Rodri’s future, and the tactical directions under Maresca.