Manchester City: The Departure Lounge

As Man City Square stated there are likely to be departures from Manchester City before arrivals join the squad.

Manchester City club staff have been busy in the last few days arranging a number of departures as City players find new teams for the season ahead. We take a moment to review each of the players who have now secured a move away and speculate as to which others may leave before the transfer window closes.

Aro Muric

Muric found himself elevated to the City first team last season due to the injury to Claudio Bravo. He acquitted himself well in the Carabao Cup campaign – conceding just one goal and looking like a very capable deputy to Ederson.

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Originally the intention last season had been to loan Muric to NAC Breda to gain valuable first team experience but the injury to Bravo scuppered that arrangement. It is therefore no surprise that City have closed a deal for Muric for the coming season.

Firstly, City have announced Muric has signed a contract extension until 2024 to tie him to the club. Secondly, they have confirmed he has joined Championship side Nottingham Forest for the 2019/20 campaign. This will be an ideal opportunity for Muric to cement his growing reputation.

Zack Steffen

Our US National goalkeeper has just joined City following the agreement surrounding his transfer back in January. He is an exciting talent who has begun to lay claim to the US National team number one jersey.

It was always thought he would immediately be sent on loan to a European club in order to gain valuable experience so it is not a surprise to see him clinch a season long loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the Bundesliga.

Phillippe Sandler

Our 22 year Dutch Centre back has today joined Vincent Kompany at RS Anderlecht on loan for the season. There is a strong belief Sandler could develop into a very promising defender but his appearances at City have been limited by injury.

At City he was mentored by Kompany so it is no surprise he has followed his mentor to the Belgian league. Hopefully, playing alongside Kompany will accelerate his development and next year he may get the chance to contribute to our first team squad.

Other Moves?

In addition to more of our young players from the EDS squad moving on loan, I would expect at least two further members of the first team squad to leave before the window closes.

Fabian Delph seems to be closing in on an exit from the Etihad on a permanent basis. He has been linked with Galatasaray and more recently with Everton. City appear to want a fee in the region of £16 million for their England international, which seems achievable in the current market.

Eliaquim Mangala has recovered from his serious knee injury and is actively seeking a move abroad. Apparently earlier interest from Portuguese teams has not developed further due to his wage demands, but as the window draws to a close there may be more negotiations ahead.

Finally, Danilo appears keen to secure a first team spot and has been linked with a move to Italy. Given his trophy count in Brazil, Spain and England, he will not be short of suitors.

Expect more movements from and into the Manchester City Squad in the next 30 days!