With the transfer window open, Manchester City are already beginning to make plans in the transfer market.
The champions of Europe have been linked with a move for Declan Rice in the past 24 hours, while ManchesterWorld understands there is interest in a move for Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, the deal to sign Matteo Kovacic is believed to be close, with personal terms agreed with the Chelsea midfielder.
But the transfer talk surrounding City in recent days has mainly centred on outgoings, with several names being linked with moves away from the Etihad. Pep Guardiola last summer allowed Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to depart, while Fernandinho also left.
The City manager has never disguised his standpoint on sales, and has repeatedly claimed in the past that if a player wants to leave and a fair transfer fee can be agreed, the club won’t stand in their way.
Given the quality in City’s ranks, it’s perhaps not a surprise that so many players could consider a transfer in the off-season, in order to ensure more playing time. That was the driving force behind the sales of Sterling, Jesus and Zinchenko, and Guardiola finished the treble-winning season by sticking with a regular team in high-profile matches, with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez struggling to start in the Champions League knockout ties.
But which players have been linked with moves away from the club? We’ve rounded up the latest news on every potential exit this window…
1. Zack Steffen
The goalkeeper spent this season on loan at Middlesbrough and has already said he doesn’t plan to return to City and sit on the bench. The Northern Echo claim a £10m bid could be enough to sign the American stopper.
2. Aymeric Laporte
Was emotional at the end of City’s final home game in 2022/23 and has fallen to fifth-choice centre-back. The defender has been linked with several clubs, including Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, and is expected to move on this summer.
3. Joao Cancelo
Fell out with Guardiola after the World Cup, which resulted in his loan move to Bayern Munich. Neither the player or manager have said Cancelo will leave, but it’s difficult to see how the full-back fits into Guardiola’s system now.
4. Kyle Walker
The Athletic claim the England international is unhappy with his playing time and is open to leaving. Villa and Sheffield United are among the sides who are reportedly interested, while a Saudi Arabia move has been mooted.