He Manchester City wins so much that most of its players can’t feel anything but giddy, but that doesn’t mean some stars aren’t in a bad mood at the Etihad Stadium right now.
While the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden continue to receive praise all around, a number of players have stagnated in Manchester due to a blocked path into the starting XI or simply not fitting in with manager Pep Guardiola’s ideals.
But which City players could leave this summer to revive their professional prospects? Here are four players who need to leave the club this summer.
Sorry folks, it’s not hard to guess that Kalvin Phillips would appear here
The tough midfielder, who was previously a feared England international with Leeds United, has found it incredibly difficult to get minutes under Guardiola and, with his 29th birthday coming up later this year, a summer exit is imperative.
He looked incredibly lacking in confidence during his loan spell at West Ham United, but whichever club Phillips ends up at will be hopeful of helping him rediscover his best form.
Jack Grealish has a tendency to be on-again, off-again, off-again such is his style of play as a direct winger, but the 2023/24 season was an immense disappointment for the former Aston Villa captain.
The £100million player made just ten Premier League appearances in 20 games in the division, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Injuries were not kind to the 28-year-old, but it was no surprise that he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
Grealish could yet re-emerge at the Etihad, but a move could help the Brummie rediscover his creative streak.
Only Phil Foden made more appearances for City in all competitions last season, with the Argentine world champion scoring 19 goals in his 53 games.
The 24-year-old has one of the brightest trophy cabinets in modern football at a young age but, having been linked with a transfer outside the Premier League in recent weeks, he may not be entirely happy with his role.
Injuries to key first-team stars such as De Bruyne helped him rack up plenty of minutes, but Haaland’s presence in attack means Alvarez will never be City’s main man. If a club were to sign him in the transfer market, they would be making one of the signings of the summer.
Legend has it that Kalvin Phillips was benched so Matheus Nunes could be the bench player. Or something along those lines.
The 25-year-old, a late addition last year, has rarely started in the Premier League but has started at least five games in the Champions League, registering one assist.
The Portugal international may have been a victim of Guardiola’s judgement, as City’s new signings are often given plenty of time before their performances are trusted. However, the longer he is given that minimal mandate, the more frustrated and eager he may become to leave.
More news about the transfer market
#players #leave #Manchester #City #summer