Despite Manchester City winning a fourth consecutive league title, there could be big changes at the club after they lost the FA Cup final. Here are six stars who might leave, with one exit already confirmed, and three players the Citizens could sign!
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It is difficult to make a case for this season being a sobering one for Pep Guardiola and his team, but fans might have expected more than just the Premier League title after celebrating a treble triumph a year ago. The Citizens have become the first club in English history to win the EPL four times in a row, but their semi-final exit to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup final loss to Manchester United will have hurt.
On paper, Guardiola still boasts one of the strongest squads in football. With one of the world's leading goalscorers in Erling Haaland at the top end and superstar talents such as Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri behind him, fans expect City not only to compete on all fronts, but to win every competition they participate in. As their Spanish manager prepares for what could very well be his final season in the Premier League, with his deal expiring in 2025, City's roster could look slightly different when play resumes in August.
Reports suggest Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva has a release clause in his contract that has become active, as per an agreement he reached with City last year. All it will take is a fee of £50 million (R1.1 billion) for the 29-year-old to be lured away should he wish to join the club who triggers the clause. Jack Grealish, meanwhile, has been linked with a surprise move away amid rumours Vincent Kompany could look to sign him at Bayern Munich. The Belgian is expected to join the Bavarians in the coming weeks after informing Burnley of his desire to join the Bundesliga giants.
Click through the gallery below to see players who could leave and join City in the next transfer window:
Kalvin Phillips, Joao Cancelo and Yan Couto, all returning from loan spells in England and Spain, are also likely to be moved on. Phillips is thought to have no future at the English champions, with Guardiola having admitted the midfielder does not suit his system. Cancelo has spent the campaign on loan at Barcelona and Couto will see his temporary stay at Girona conclude. The right-back enjoyed an impressive season as he contributed to 12 goals in 39 appearances for the LALIGA side.
Centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis will join Southampton permanently after the Saints guaranteed promotion back to the Premier League this past weekend. The 22-year-old's loan deal included a clause that would see his stay at Southampton continue if the club successfully managed to get out of the EFL Championship, which they did with a promotion playoff final win over Leeds United on Sunday.
In terms of potential arrivals, the Citizens have been strongly linked with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, whose potential sale would reportedly help the Magpies keep in line with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Lucas Paqueta, another Brazilian, is rumoured to have been of interest to the club, although the West Ham United man is facing spot-fixing charges that could see him being handed a lengthy ban from the sport.
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Girona winger Savio, meanwhile, has reportedly already agreed a move to City. The 20-year-old currently belongs to French club Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group. It, therefore, is quite possible that the people agreeing to sell Savio from Troyes are the same people who could be signing for the Premier League champions.
