Who will take Manchester City’s Number 10 shirt next amid Jack Grealish transfer rumours | OneFootball

Some shirt numbers in football carry a significant weight far beyond just digits on a team sheet.

For those at Manchester City, the number 10 shirt stands among the most iconic at the club, having once been worn by true club legends like Sergio Agüero, Edin Džeko, and currently occupied by versatile forward, Jack Grealish.

But with the England international currently facing a likely exit from Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, the in-demand shirt number could be up for grabs once again ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The real question and perhaps debate among supporters is who could inherit it? And just as importantly — should anyone take it on right now?

A number steeped in folklore

The modern legacy of Manchester City’s number 10 shirt has been largely defined by Sergio Agüero, whose arrival in 2011 – initially choosing the number 16 – and subsequent record-breaking career saw the Argentine immortalise the number in Premier League history.

Iconic fan favourite, Bosnian international Edin Džeko also wore the number 10 during some of Manchester City’s earliest modern trophy-winning seasons — with his 2011/12 form being particularly crucial to the club under Roberto Mancini.

When Sergio Agüero left Manchester in the summer of 2021, the number 10 was offered to the club’s homegrown star Phil Foden. However, the Stockport-born playmaker made a deeply personal decision to reject it — and that decision still shapes the conversation today.

Why Phil Foden will not be taking the No.10

Despite appearing to be the natural heir in terms of stature and influence, Phil Foden has always been firm in his attachment to the number 47.

The England international’s long-standing shirt number is a tribute to his late grandfather Ronnie, who passed away at the age of 47. Foden even has the numbers tattooed behind his right ear — a permanent reminder of his personal motivation.

In a 2022 interview, Phil Foden confirmed he was offered the number 10 by Sergio Agüero himself.

“I did think about it. The ten shirt is such a big number in the club,” he said. “But I just have a thing with 47. I’d like to create my own legacy and keep that number.”

So if Phil Foden won’t take the number, who could?

The existing 2025/26 candidates for the No.10 shirt

Several players, either already in the building or having freshly arrived at the club this summer, stand out as realistic options to inherit the 10 shirt — even if none are obvious successors in the traditional playmaker sense.

Oscar Bobb – No. 52

A firm fan favourite and a true Manchester City Academy product, Oscar Bobb would be a romantic option.

The Norway international is creative, technically sharp, and now back to full fitness after a cruel leg fracture ruined his 2024/25 campaign just days before the season’s opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

While Bobb currently wears the number 52, the iconic number 10 would be a significant statement of faith from Manchester City decision makers — though some might argue it is too soon.

Rayan Cherki – No. 29 (Unconfirmed)

The France international arrived from Olympique Lyonnais earlier this summer with flair, risk-taking, and enormous upside, at a time when Manchester City were desperately seeking out a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.

Cherki was handed the number 29 shirt for the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, but there has been no confirmation of his permanent squad number since his first few appearances for the club.

If Pep Guardiola views Rayan Cherki as a central attacking hub in the long-term, then the number 10 could well end up on his back.

Tijjani Reijnders – No. 4 (so far)

While wearing the number 4 during the Club World Cup, Tijjani Reijnders feels like an outside bet to take on the number 10 shirt, although his shirt so far remains occupied by Kalvin Phillips – who is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium on a permanent deal this summer.

The Netherlands international is more of a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder than a classic “number 10”, but his influence on the team’s tempo and rhythm could make the symbolic switch a fitting one — especially if Pep Guardiola leans into a more fluid midfield structure.

Should it be left vacant for the time being?

There is also a strong chance that the number 10 shirt is left untouched for the 2025/26 season. With Manchester City already investing heavily this summer and no marquee attacker expected to join, the club could keep the number 10 reserved for a blockbuster future signing.

Could a new superstar take the No.10 in 2026?

Manchester City’s long-term interest in players like Jamal Musiala and even Real Madrid’s Rodrygo — depending on how things develop at the Santiago Bernabeu — leaves the door open for a future generational attacking arrival.

If the club were to spend big again next summer, the number 10 shirt would be the ultimate welcome gift — as it was for Jack Grealish upon his £100 million arrival from Aston Villa back in 2021.

A symbol of trust, or timing?

The number 10 shirt doesn’t have to be filled — but when it is, it says something. It’s about status, role, and club branding.

Whether Manchester City use it to crown a young gem like Rayan Cherki or Oscar Bobb, or keep it warm for someone yet to arrive, the decision will say as much about Pep Guardiola’s long-term vision as it does about the player chosen.