Manchester City's summer transfer priorities are shaped by the lessons of this season. Lesson one: Rodri's absence is catastrophic. City spent the entire first half of the season visibly diminished without their defensive midfield anchor. The summer solution is not simply 'sign a backup' — it is building a system that can function without Rodri for extended periods while maintaining his standards when he is available. That might mean adding a midfielder of genuine elite quality, or adjusting the system so the load is distributed differently. Lesson two: Kyle Walker's succession needs to begin. At 35, the right-back cannot be counted on for three more seasons of elite performance. Identifying the long-term successor — and integrating them alongside Walker while he can still guide — is intelligent planning. Lesson three: if Guardiola's contract is extended, the transfer strategy must align with his continued vision. Signings that suit a departing manager are counterproductive. Lesson four: the youth pathway. Academy talent beneath the first team needs more exposure. Guardiola's teams have always had a cohort of developed academy players — City need to restore that pipeline. Sunday vs Chelsea first. Summer planning starts in May. 📅 Sun 12 Apr, 07:30 UTC | Stamford Bridge 🏆 GW30 | City's Summer Blueprint