Manchester City have 16 transfer decisions to finalize before the deadline. The club is concentrating on new signings this summer but also needs to determine the futures of several players, either through permanent moves or loans.
Any incoming transfers may hinge on senior players departing. Despite Kevin De Bruyne sparking concerns with his comments about Saudi Arabia, he has reassured fans by stating he has not been in contact with other clubs and expects to remain with City next season. Speculation about Ederson joining the Saudi Pro League has died down, and Bernardo Silva remains in his usual uncertain position—allowed to leave if his valuation is met.
Given the low likelihood of these star players leaving, attention turns to those more likely to exit the Etihad. Kalvin Phillips, for example, needs to find a new club, either permanently or on loan, as his chances of a City comeback are slim. Sergio Gomez, selected for the 2024 Olympics, will miss pre-season, further reducing his chances at City.
Both Phillips and Gomez, who played only 136 Premier League minutes combined last season, have attracted interest. City would prefer to sell them for decent fees but may consider loans if necessary.
James McAtee has enjoyed regular playtime at Sheffield United for the past two years. Although he may get a pre-season chance with City, he will seek assurances about his playing time for the upcoming season if he stays.
Liam Delap and Callum Doyle, who both impressed in the Championship last season, present a different dilemma. Can City capitalize on their high valuations with academy sales, or will they arrange Premier League loans to boost future transfer fees?
Maximo Perrone plans to spend another season on loan after making 31 appearances for Las Palmas in La Liga. Issa Kabore, who impressed at Luton and previously in France, might prefer a permanent move to further enhance City’s budget.
Brazilian winger Kayky, recovering from a broken leg at Bahia, is considering another loan, this time in Europe, to revive his career.
Midfielder Alexander Robertson, who impressed at Portsmouth in League One before an injury, is likely to leave permanently with just one year left on his contract. There is interest from unnamed Champions League clubs, and he is not expected to join City’s pre-season squad.
Lewis Fiorini and Ben Knight could make permanent moves after EFL loans, while Finley Burns and Jadel Katongo aim to build on their regular games in League One. Kian Breckin, whose first senior experience at Wycombe was underwhelming, will seek to improve this term.
