With their contracts due to expire in 2017, these seven Manchester City stars will be hoping to persuade Pep Guardiola they are worth new deals, or face the prospect of leaving the club next summer.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on August 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manchester City have placed a big emphasis on snapping up the brightest young footballing talents this summer. With such an abundance of young players on the books, its hard to see the old guard being around the club much longer.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Yaya Touré
One of Manchester City’s finest players, of that there is no doubt, but Yaya Touré’s days in Blue are over. The Ivory Coast star has played an integral role in City’s recent success.
Became only the second midfielder in Premier League history to score over 20 goals in a single season in City’s 13/14 title winning campaign.
(Photo by Lennart Preiss/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Yaya’s relationship with the club has soured in recent years. First through the fabled “cakegate” and more recently through a series of lazy performances.
Many assumed that new coach Guardiola would shift Touré on, as he had done whilst the pair were at Barcelona.
Touré was left “humiliated” by his recent omission from Guardiola’s first Champions League and has made just one appearance so far this season. Expect one last big pay day in China.
Verdict: Gone
(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Willy Caballero
The 34 year-old Argentine has temporarily usurped fan favorite Joe Hart as first choice goalkeeper this season. However, the arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona will see Cabs returning to his back-up role.
Caballero has kept just one clean sheet in three seasons at the club. Guardiola is known to admire academy star Angus Gunn and is eager to fast-track the England U21’s star into the first-team.
The Argentine will be best remembered for his penalty shoot-out heroics in last season’s Cup win, but his record isn’t admirable.
Verdict: Gone
(Photo by Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Bacary Sagna
The veteran Frenchman enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2015/16 and is still a solid performer. However, the ex-Arsenal man is fast approaching his 34th birthday.
Catalan coach Pep Guardiola is keen on promoting young Spaniard Pablo Maffeo to the first team. The teenager enjoyed an impressive debut in City’s recent win over Steaua Bucharesti.
With young stars waiting in the wings, it is unlikely that Sagna will be offered new terms.
Verdict: Gone
(Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Jesus Navas
Jesus Navas has had a mixed time whilst at Manchester City. A £14.9m signing from La Liga side Sevilla, Navas has impressed with his blistering pace. However, his end product is lacking.
A return of just 4 goals in 100 appearances and a constant desire to drill crosses straight to opposing defenders won’t have gone unnoticed by Guardiola.
The big-money signing of 20-year old Leroy Sané speaks volumes. Its hard to see Navas here next year. A return to former club Sevilla beckons.
Verdict: Gone
(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Gael Clichy
A solid if unspectacular performer over the years. Like fellow Frenchman Sagna, Clichy has been Mr Dependable during his stint at City.
Having arrived from Arsenal in a £7m transfer in 2011, Clichy has been an important figure in the club’s recent success.
Like others on this list though, the 31 year-old risks losing his place to younger talents.
Promising Spaniard Angelino is ready and waiting for a shot at regular action and Clichy is unlikely to be at the club for long.
Verdict: Gone
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Fernandinho
A stupendous performer and still a key player for the club. Veteran Brazilian Fernandinho has quietly gone about his business in recent seasons. He is perhaps one of the most underrated midfielders in the league.
Age isn’t on his side, but the Brazilian enforcer is already integral to Pep’s plans.
Expect an extension for Nando, but not a long-one.
Verdict: 1-2 Year Contact Extension
(Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)
Pablo Zabaleta
Fan favorite Pablo Zabaleta nearly completed a switch to AS Roma this summer before a last-minute change of heart.
One of the only players left at the squad from the pre-takeover years, age has clearly caught up with the Argentina star.
Injury has plagued the 31 year-old over the last season.
Although, like his RB counterpart Bacary Sagna, Zabaleta will have to do a lot to convince Guardiola he is worth keeping around.
Pablo Maffeo and the versatile James Horsfield await their chance to step-up and replace this City legend.
Verdict: Most likely gone
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