Manchester City were expected to make wholesale changes to the squad after Pep Guardiola had come on board last summer. He is well known for his high-intensity tactics with a lot of emphasis on technically sound players who are versatile in nature. There were serious doubts regarding the fullbacks as it is a position from which Pep demands the most. With the available players all above 30, it was perhaps shocking to see Guardiola stick with the existing crop of players. But he decided to make a number of additions elsewhere and stuck with a number of players to see how they fit into his philosophy.
But after spending a season with these players he must have got a fair idea of the ones to keep and the ones who need to be moved on. Let us take a look at 3 players who are likely to leave the club.
JESUS NAVAS
The Spaniard, has, throughout his time at the club been a source of mild frustration for the fans. His body language, his commitment and the qualities he undoubtedly possesses has been the major positives but the one area he has fallen way short has been the end product. Navas has failed to improve in that department and for all his work-rate and honest endeavour, he has simply failed to have the desired impact on proceedings. It is highly likely the former Sevilla man will be leaving in the summer.
FERNANDO
The Brazilian came in as a cover for Fernandinho and Yaya Toure and in a bittersweet manner, although he has stuck to his task, his failure to establish himself as anything more than a backup can be deemed as slightly underwhelming. With Fernandinho impressing Pep hugely and Toure having another renaissance, it might be Fernando who has to make way with Gundogan returning from injury next season. Pep has preferred a holding midfielder and it might be in the Brazilian’s best interests that he makes a fresh start elsewhere.
BACARY SAGNA
The former Arsenal man won the Premier League trophy with Manchester City and it was precisely the reason for his controversial move. He has been a solid operator at right-back and has repeatedly impressed and even dislodged Zabaleta from the first team last season. But with the Frenchman’s contract expiring in the summer and City looking for younger alternatives in the market, Sagna’s time at the club could be up.
