Potential departures for Manchester City ahead of next season

PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: The Manchester City team (back row l-r Kyle Walker, Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Phil Foden, front row l-r Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, İlkay Gündoğan, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bernardo Silva) pose for a team picture before the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: The Manchester City team (back row l-r Kyle Walker, Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Phil Foden, front row l-r Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, İlkay Gündoğan, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bernardo Silva) pose for a team picture before the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City have had a successful campaign in the recently concluded season. Their journey saw them lift a double in the form of the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup. Talking about disappointments, there were only a couple. The UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.

Their quadruple prospects were hurt by a resilient Chelsea side. Both losses were tough to digest for City fans and hence were probably the only “downsides” of a very decent season.

Looking forward, the upcoming season is now bound to bring in more challenges for the team. Pep Guardiola will now have to chalk up new strategies for his side. Some of these will include bringing a couple of fresh faces and also probably see few departures.

The Sky Blues have already bid farewell to their two stars-Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia. Chances are that the club might see more exits in the next couple of months. In my previous article, I clearly stated how the team could well use the presence of a solid no.9.Now let us take a look at the possible departures :

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Who’s out #Raheem Sterling

The English attacker has been heavily linked with a move away from Etihad this summer. Now, why would a reputed winger like Sterling even consider leaving the club? The reason is simple. He has lost his place on the starting side.

Phil Foden, the rising star of Manchester City has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and his place in the XI is likely to remain.

This season, the former Liverpool forward was often seen warming the benches. Lack of minutes under Guardiola can now well be the major reason behind this probable exit. In terms of performance, the City superstar has been average on the pitch and has often faced criticism for his inconsistent outings.

Manchester Evening News has now reported that Arsenal are favourites to land the attacker this summer and can soon move to North London before the start of the new season in August.

Who’s out #Aymeric Laporte

The Premier League holders have always been on the lookout for talented defenders.In the summer of 2018, the Sky Blues did make a successful acquisition in the form of Aymeric Laporte. Honestly, he has been brilliant whenever he has been called upon.

Unfortunately, the Frenchman has had few stoppages during his stay in England. Injury issues have seen him miss out on regular first-team action. With John Stones and Ruben Dias being given more priority in the backline, the defender has found it tough to cement a place with the first team.

Sources in Spain suggest that Manchester City are reportedly open to see Laporte leave this summer. Barcelona has shown interest in the defender and can soon sign the player in the next few weeks.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on August 07, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on August 07, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Who’s out #Fernandinho

His contract is due to expire later this month and hence is likely to head out of Etihad this summer. The Brazilian has been a solid figure in this City squad and has been a loyal servant to the club during his stint in the Premier League.

The 36-year-old has shown flexibility to operate in both midfield and defensive roles and therefore has been a key member of the Sky Blues for a substantial period of time.

As of now, there has been no official statement by the club regarding a possible renewal. It means a possible exit is definitely on the cards for the former Shakhtar midfielder and hence the veteran won’t be part of City’s squad next season.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Fernandinho of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on September 21, 2020 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Fernandinho of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on September 21, 2020 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

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