Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, and Ederson are all prominently representing Manchester City. However, Joao Cancelo is a different story. He’s clearly out of Pep Guardiola’s plans and is struggling to find a team willing to meet his transfer fee.
Although Barcelona is interested, their limited financial resources are likely to be allocated elsewhere. It’s anticipated that Cancelo’s eventual destination might be a club in Saudi Arabia, as City awaits a potential bid from there.
Sergio Gomez, a Spanish left-back, is also on the verge of departure, heading back to Spain to join Real Sociedad, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Joshua Wilson-Esbrand is set to remain with the team, though his role might be limited following Gomez’s exit. Whether City decides to loan or keep him, it will likely be a minor decision without significant repercussions.
Kalvin Phillips should be sold to find a more fitting team, but West Ham is not the preferred destination. On the other hand, Rodri, regarded as the world’s finest midfielder, is untouchable. Manchester City would never consider selling him, and no club would dare to inquire about his availability.
Maximo Perrone is another player City plans to keep. Phillips could potentially pass his role to the younger Perrone, who is ready to step up. Mateo Kovacic, while not the best midfielder available, is considered a valuable squad player for City. Similarly, Matheus Nunes is expected to remain, given the benefit of the doubt after a less impressive debut season at the Etihad.
Jack Grealish is a different case. Despite his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at City. Pep Guardiola has utilized him as a more systematic player rather than the dynamic, risk-taking winger he was at his previous club. With the arrivals of Jeremy Doku and Savio, the left-wing position that Grealish was expected to make his own seems to be filled.
Furthermore, Grealish’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad was surprising to many, including his family and fans. Despite his contributions to City’s treble success in the 2022/23 season, it feels like the right time for him to move on. Grealish still has the talent to start in any Premier League team and could thrive elsewhere.
Jeremy Doku, who had an underwhelming first year at Manchester, is still seen as a promising talent.
Julian Alvarez is another player City is keen to retain. The World Cup winner has been the subject of much speculation about his future, but City is not interested in letting him go.
Despite his desire to be the main player, competing with Erling Haaland makes this difficult. Nonetheless, Alvarez made 54 appearances last season, stepping up admirably during Kevin De Bruyne’s absence. He started 39 games, including 31 in the Premier League, and excelled in set-piece duties. Recent speculation about his departure has quieted, indicating that Alvarez will likely remain with City, a favorable outcome for both the player and the club.
