5 Players Who Could LEAVE Manchester City in the Summer

Manchester City could be on the cusp of unexpected glory this season. While Arsenal remain the favourites to win the Premier League title, it isn’t out of the Sky Blues’ grasp just yet.

Nevertheless, a turnover in playing staff is inevitable, given the size of City’s squad. Here are five players who could leave Manchester City during the upcoming summer transfer window – including a player who has made over 200 Premier League appearances for the Citizens.

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake’s City tenure has been lengthy, but rarely spectacular. The Dutch international can always be called upon to slot in as a left-back or centre-back, but he has seldom been a regular first-team starter for Pep Guardiola’s men in the last few years.

Ake’s main issue is that he is neither one, nor the other. He is a bit too slow and cumbersome to be a natural left-back, while his positioning is below the standard of a natural centre-half.

His contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027 – with just one year remaining, it makes a lot of sense for City to cash in on him at this point.

John Stones

John Stones was once considered one of the best centre-backs in world football – sadly, frequent injuries and lengthy spells off the pitch have taken their toll on the former Everton star.

Stones is 31 years old now, like Ake – however, unlike Ake, his contract will run out in the upcoming summer, rather than next summer.

CIty have shown no signs that they are planning to hand Stones a fresh deal. Unless a major u-turn takes place, he will become a free agent on July 1.

Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic’s injury record will do him no favours if he wants to remain in place at Manchester City – at the age of 31, City may look to move him on in the summer.

Earlier in the season, a quartet of clubs were interested in his signature [via CityXtra]. AC Milan, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Villarreal and Real Betis all were reportedly exploring a possible move for the player – however, none of them could make a move in January as he was out with a lengthy injury.

Should Kovacic remain fit, it is likely that at least one of these teams will resume their interest in him. His contract is due to expire in 2027, so theoretically, City will be more than happy to move him on.

Rodri

Once arguably the best footballer in the world, Rodri’s stock has fallen massively since his major injury in 2024 – he simply hasn’t looked the same since.

Pep Guardiola wants the Spaniard to remain in place at the Etihad Stadium, but Rodri has expressed his wishes to join Real Madrid in a recent interview [via BBC Football].

Rodri’s next move is unclear. Regardless, his contract is sue to expire in 2027 – if the Sky Blues cannot reach a new deal with him, their best best would be to put him up for sale.

Phil Foden

This may come as a surprising inclusion. It is hard to imagine Phil Foden playing for any other team – he has been at the club since 2004, having made his debut all the way back in 2016.

Nevertheless, like so many others on this list, Foden’s current deal will run out in the summer of 2027. Back in March, rumours circulated that contract talks had taken place, but City were unwilling to give Foden a pay rise [via OneFootball].

The England international has struggled for first-team football this season, particularly so in the last couple of months. Could a clean break be the best thing for his career?