Manchester City They have three players whose contracts expire at the end of this season, including one of the greatest champions in the club's history.
Pep Guardiola's team may be enduring a season to forget about Premier Leagueespecially by their amazing standards, but there are signs that they may have turned a corner.
It feels like the end of an era at the Etihad, with some legendary figures past their prime, so big changes could happen within the squad during the summer transfer window.
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There are three players out of contract at City this summer, will they all move on?
1
Scott Carson
Contract ends: June 30, 2025
It's almost a joke that Scott Carson is still a City player considering how little he has done for them since arriving from Derby County in 2021, having initially joined on loan in 2019.
The England veteran was brought in as a way to improve the Citizens' domestic share, but has only made two appearances in that time, warming the bench or not even being in the squad most weeks.
Now 39, Carson's time at City will likely come to an end once this season comes to an end, having signed a one-year extension last year. He turns 40 in September, and the club will surely be able to find a stronger home-grown option among the redwoods – perhaps someone who would also be happy to play for the team.
2
Kevin De Bruyne
Contract ends: June 30, 2025
When you think of the best players in City's history, it's impossible not to think of Kevin De Bruyne, who has lit up the Etihad Stadium on numerous occasions. The Belgian is not only one of the Citizens' true greats, but one of the best players to ever grace the Premier League.
Now 33, the cracks are starting to show with De Bruyne in terms of mounting injuries and not having a lot of energy in his legs, meaning there is a big decision for the club to make at the end of the season.
The midfielder is Out of contract At that point, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club now that the January window is open.
It increasingly looks as if his time as a City player is coming to an end. Kyle Walker has requested a move to another country and it's easy to see the same thing happening with De Bruyne.
Of course, there is an option for City to offer De Bruyne an extension if they feel there is still a lot of life in him, but there is a question mark against that. Keeping him on a huge salary would be a huge risk, as Guardiola will likely feel a younger replacement must be found to inject fresh blood into his starting lineup.
If De Bruyne leaves in the summer, there will undoubtedly be a special ovation for him at some stage at the Etihad Stadium, as City supporters pay tribute to one of the most talented footballers in their history.
3
Ilkay Gundogan
Contract ends: June 30, 2025
Ilkay Gundogan's return last summer was met with much excitement from some City supporters due to his influential and legendary personality during his first spell at the Etihad. It was a very logical move, allowing the German to return to the club on a free after a short spell at Barcelona.
However, it hasn't quite gone the way Gundogan and Guardiola had hoped, with the 34-year-old looking his age, not least after Rodri's anterior cruciate ligament injury saw City's midfield lose much of its dynamism.
As has always been the case with the German, Gundogan's effort levels cannot be questioned, but he is simply unable to cover ground as easily as he did before, and this has undoubtedly played a role in City's struggles.
The former Germany international signed a one-year contract with the Citizens last year, but also has the option to extend his stay at the Etihad for a further 12 months. Modern a report He claimed Gundogan's future is uncertain, with the likes of Galatasaray eyeing him at the end of the season.
Like De Bruyne, this could be the right time for City to move on, allowing Guardiola to start a new era at the club by signing players in their 20s rather than having aging figures in midfield.
