Manchester City are entering a new era. With the club confirming that both captain Bernardo Silva and defensive stalwart John Stones will depart this summer, the question on every fan's mind is: who will wear the armband next?

Former City defender Colin Hendry has weighed in, tipping January signing Marc Guéhi as a strong contender to take over the captaincy. While Rodri remains the natural choice, his recent injury setbacks have opened the door for other leaders in the squad to step up for the 2026/27 season and beyond.

As the 2025/26 campaign enters its final weeks, the conversation at the Etihad has shifted from chasing a historic second domestic treble to planning for life after two of the club's most influential figures. City are locked in a tight Premier League battle with Arsenal and preparing for an FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, but the leadership debate is already heating up behind the scenes.

Silva, the outgoing captain, will leave as a free agent in June, while Stones announced this week that his trophy-laden 10-year spell is coming to an end. Combined with Rodri's recent injury struggles, fans and pundits are looking toward newer faces in the dressing room—particularly January arrival Marc Guéhi—as potential candidates to inherit the armband.

Speaking exclusively to City Xtra on behalf of 10bet, Hendry shared his thoughts on the succession plan. "Initially, I'd say Rodri would be the one for me. He's been a little injury-ravaged recently, so it depends on consistency," the former Scotland centre-back explained. "Marc Guéhi at the back, possibly, but there are two or three candidates. I'm happy if it's a midfielder or a defender. I'm not so keen on goalkeepers being captains—that's just my personal preference. I prefer an outfield player."

With Bernardo's leadership legacy set to end, the next captain will have big boots to fill. But as City look to build for the future, Guéhi's emergence as a potential leader could signal a new chapter in the club's storied history.