Holding off Arsenal’s charge and making real history last season as they got their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, Manchester City have only further underlined their status as domestic record-breakers.
However, with recent speculation that the 2024/25 campaign could be Pep Guardiola’s final year in the Etihad dugout, it has also been suggested that plenty of City’s superstars could be set for a potential move away this summer.
While the Sky Blues might find themselves at the centre of an almighty controversy behind the scenes, they are expected to be active during the summer transfer window.
Potentially facing what could be a rebuild at the Etihad over the next couple of months, we have taken a look at three of City’s ultimate superstars that could be heading for the Etihad exit.
Kevin De Bruyne
While Kevin De Bruyne might have cemented his spot as one of the Premier League all-time superstars, it appears that the Belgium ace is starting to plan for life outside of England’s elite.
Although the one-time Chelsea starlet might have recorded 10 top-flight assists last season as he got his hands on a sixth individual Premier League medal, De Bruyne did struggle with his fitness for large spells.
Only registering 18 Premier League appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, City’s playmaking talisman has opened the door to what would be a sensational move to the Middle East this summer.
Set to turn 33 at the end of the month, De Bruyne refused to rule out the possibility that he will be the next Premier League icon to secure a bank-breaking move to the Saudi Pro League.
Publicly stating earlier in the week that he has discussed with his family about the prospect of moving over to Saudi Arabia in the future, De Bruyne will soon enter the final year of his contract with the English giants.
🗣️ “They love players like him”
Are clubs in Saudi Arabia now on high alert following Kevin de Bruyne’s comments? 👀pic.twitter.com/qZwezak7Bv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 5, 2024
Ederson
While De Bruyne’s speculated move to Saudi Arabia has stolen plenty of the recent headlines, the Belgium record-breaker is not the only Manchester City superstar that has been linked with a move to the Middle East.
Although the Brazilian shot-stopper might have become a real fan favourite since arriving from Benfica in a £35million deal back in the summer of 2017, there has been plenty of recent reports that Ederson is open to Saudi switch.
Watching deputy goalkeeper Stefan Ortega continue to impress when being handed a chance last season, some in City’s hierarchy are reportedly open to parting ways with the 25-cap international.
Now officially entering the final two years of his current deal with the defending Premier League champions, City have failed to agree on terms over a potential extension and could be looking to cash in this summer.
With real question marks over if Ederson will be between the sticks when the 2024/25 campaign gets underway, The Sun are reporting that AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has been identified as their standout alternative.
Offers will only be considered by #ManCity for Ederson this summer if he makes it clear he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium. Al Ittihad are among the clubs to have registered an interest with the player’s representatives.
[via @RobDawsonESPN]https://t.co/KK9psXlSJX
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 31, 2024
Julian Alvarez
Recording 20 Premier League goal contributions last season and featuring in all bar two of City’s top-flight appearances, Julian Alvarez has become an integral part of Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad.
Scoring 36 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions since arriving from River Plate in 2022, Alvarez has continued to impress when being handed a chance by Guardiola. The versatile forward helped City win a historic treble in his first season and played a key role in the Premier League title victory this term.
However, with it suggested this week that the World Cup winner is unimpressed by his lack of action from the start, a host of European heavyweights have been put on red alert.
Alongside recent speculation that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are planning an audacious swoop this summer, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that PSG are also a huge admirer.
Looking to replace Kylian Mbappe with their new-found savings, the French powerhouse see Alvarez as the perfect replacement for the future Ballon d’Or winner.
🚨🇦🇷 Several clubs have approached Julián Álvarez, not only Atlético Madrid but also Paris Saint-Germain showing interest.
No proposals or negotiations yet but several clubs keen, also from England.
🔵 Man City want to keep Julián, talks with his camp will follow about that. pic.twitter.com/YwoTPFMMFm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2024
