Manchester City will end the 2014-15 season dethroned as Premier League Champions and trophyless. Manuel Pellegrini will definitely be looking to improve his squad before the start of next season, and is likely to bring in a number of star players in the summer.
The financial fair play rule will force City to sell in order to buy, prompting a major summer exodus. We look at some of the names that might not be be wearing Sky Blue next season.
Yaya Toure
The Ivorian powerhouse will certainly be the biggest name to exit the Etihad if a deal is done. Toure’s agent has hinted more than once that Toure’s time at City has come to an end, and all signs point to the midfielder leaving at the conclusion of the season. Inter Milan look to be the front runners to secure Toure’s signature, as Roberto Mancini appears to be setting his sights on re-uniting with Toure. In addition, Paris St-Germain are also in the hunt to sign the playmaker. The Ivorian has managed 61 goals in his 213 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues. He will undoubtedly be City’s biggest loss of the summer, as a move away seems more likely by the day.
[interaction id=”5554990640f2c57e0405deb9″]
Aleksandar Kolarov
With Gael Clichy still in the side (amid reports of his exit) and rumours of City trying to land Danny Rose from Tottenham, it looks like Kolarov’s days at the Etihad are numbered. The Serbian, with a thunder of a left boot, is thought to be keen on a return to Italy. His former club Lazio, along with Sampdoria, are reportedly front-runners to sign the full-back.
Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian international might not be a regular starter for City but has proven to be an extremely important player since his arrival. Dzeko has scored 71 goals in his 185 appearances for City. He is a striker who can step into a game at any time and still provide that all-important goal. Borussia Dortmund looks like the likely destination for Dzeko, with the German club heavily linked to the striker.
Stevan Jovetic
Jovetic is another striker set to leave the Etihad this summer. Since his arrival, the Montenegrin player has never really managed to fit into the City team. He came to City with a high reputation to his name, but has never managed to live up to it. He has only scored 11 goals in the 39 times that he has played for City. Liverpool are reportedly interested in his signature, while Inter Milan are also looking to sign him on a loan deal.
James Milner and Frank Lampard
Both Englishmen will run out of contract with City at the end of the season. Lampard already knows of his next destination, making the switch to brand new MLS franchise New York City F.C. Meanwhile, there has been no news on Milner signing a contract extension with City, and it seems Liverpool will be more than happy to to snare the midfielder without spending a penny.
Scott Sinclair
The former Chelsea youth player has never really settled at City since his arrival in 2012 from Swansea City. He has failed to score for the Sky Blues in all of his 19 appearances for them. Sinclair has had loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and currently with Aston Villa. Although failing to make any sort of impact during those spells, it appears Villa and West Brom are still keen on signing the 26-year-old on a permanent deal.
City go into their penultimate game of the season against Swansea City in Wales. Pellegrini’s men will look to extend their current run of four wins in a row. A last chance, maybe, for many of City’s stars to shine before they exit. The Manchester club are second place in the league, and a win in their remaining two games will see them finish there.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
