Max Alleyne has almost become the forgotten defender in Manchester City’s squad. The young centre-back was recalled by City in January from Watford, where he had impressed on loan during the first half of this season. Alleyne returned to City when injuries decimated Manchester City’s defense in January. The young defender made seven appearances for City after he returned to the club, and Alleyne showed more than enough to suggest that he has all the makings of a quality centre-back.
Unfortunately for Max Alleyne, he has been starved of opportunities to play for City due to Manchester City’s signing of Marc Guehi and the return of players from injury. Looking further ahead, it is hard to see where Max Alleyne fits into the City squad for next season. Perhaps another loan move is the next logical step in his young career.
It is difficult to find a fit for Max Alleyne in the Manchester City squad when looking ahead to next season.
Looking ahead to what the Manchester City squad may look like for next season, one position that City don’t lack options in is at centre-back. It is likely that Pep Guardiola’s squad will contain Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Josko Gvardiol. All four of those players are exceptional centre-backs. A safe bet would also be that Vitor Reis will return to Manchester City and be the fifth centre-back in the City squad. If that turns out to be the case, it is hard to see where Max Alleyne will fit into the Manchester City first team for next season.
It isn’t a knock on Max Alleyne’s talent to suggest that he would be the sixth centre-back in the City squad for next season if he remains at the club. It is just the reality of the situation that Alleyne would be facing next season. Competition for spots in the heart of the Manchester City defence will be fierce next season. Alleyne will face a battle to play any meaningful minutes at City next season. That is clear to see this season already. At 20 years of age, Alleyne needs to be playing at a high level to further develop as a player. Spending a season on the periphery of the City first team likely won’t do the gifted young defender any good.
A loan move to a Premier League club is probably the best move for Max Alleyne.
Max Alleyne showed at Watford earlier this season and at Manchester City when he returned from his loan spell in the Championship that he is more than capable of playing at the highest level. Perhaps a loan move to another Championship club for next season could be on the cards for Alleyne. However, he does look ready to play in the Premier League on a consistent basis.
A loan move for the 2026/27 season to a Premier League club could be the ideal setting for Max Alleyne to take the next step as a player. He has shown enough to suggest that he is capable of being a consistent Premier League player. He just needs an opportunity to do so. It is likely that opportunity won’t come at Manchester City next season. Perhaps another Premier League club will take a chance on Alleyne and give him the opportunity to play at the highest level.
A loan move for the 2026/27 season looks to be the logical move for Max Alleyne next season. The young centre-back needs to play to continue his growth and development as a defender. Hopefully, a Premier League takes a chance on Max Alleyne for next season so he show what he is capable of at the elite level of English football.
