Manchester City face a busy summer that could be heavy on player sales
Comments
Sport
Manchester City line up during the Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid and City
Manchester City face a busy summer in the transfer market
Manchester City can begin their transfer business as soon as this week.
Sunday sees the start of a mini-window allowing clubs to do deals ahead of the Club World Cup. It runs for 10 days before reopening on June 16 and continuing until September.
A clutch of deals could be concluded early doors across the Premier League as clubs seek to make use of the extra window.
City will be busy this summer as Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad after a disappointing campaign that ended without a trophy and with a third place Premier League finish.
And the Blues boss has spoken openly this month about his desire to retain a tight squad despite the lack of numbers this season forcing City into action in the January transfer window amid an injury crisis.
At that stage Guardiola seemed of the opinion that a bigger squad would be required but having seen all but John Stones return to fitness in recent weeks, the City chief wants quality over quantity to spare him regularly leaving senior stars out of matchday squads.
Jack Grealish was omitted at Fulham on the final day while Rico Lewis and James McAtee were not in the 18 for the FA Cup final. Savinho missed out against Bournemouth.
With City seeking reinforcements in a number of positions this summer it means tough decisions are coming Guardiola's way. Across the squad there are players facing uncertain futures and, if City are to strengthen further while also limiting their squad size, then there will be departures.
Goalkeeping duo Ederson and Stefan Ortega could both depart with the latter having failed to make strides this term while Ederson is into the final year of his contract. City hold an interest in Diogo Costa at Porto and could choose to cash in on the Brazilian while they can.
In defence, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are mainstays while it's hard to see Rico Lewis or Manuel Akanji being shipped on. Vitor Reis could leave on loan while Abdukodir Khusanov is likely to be part of the first team picture along with one or more backline addition.
But John Stones and Nathan Ake's long-term prospects are far from secure after injury hit campaigns which have limited their appearances. Both are impressive and consistent performers when fit but question marks linger. The duo also have the potential to raise significant funds, a factor which must come into consideration.
Matheus Nunes could move on amid links with Nottingham Forest, and while Ilkay Gundogan said he expects to stay after triggering an extra year in his contract, the German cannot be assured of his Etihad future.
Jack Grealish and James McAtee's days seem numbered given the events of the past few weeks while Kevin De Bruyne's glittering Etihad career is over.
And what next for Bernardo Silva? Speculation has linked him with an exit almost every year and while he was a mainstay this term, his contract is up in 2026 and this could be a window for player and club to decide to part ways, particularly with City lining up at least one midfield addition.
Rodri, Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez will stay, as will Phil Foden, while wingers Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku are part of the long-term plan. So too is Claudio Echeverri although he could leave on loan for first team exposure. Nico O'Reilly has caught the eye this season and will surely remain at the Etihad next term.
Up front Erling Haaland is a given to remain, supported by January signing Omar Marmoush.