Manchester City has three players out of contract at the end of this season, including one of the biggest heroes in the club’s history.
Pep GuardiolaHis side may be in for a season to forget Premier Leagueespecially by their incredible 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 to the squad during the summer transfer window.
Related
There are three players out of contract at City this summer – will they all stay on?
1
Scott Carson
End of contract: June 30, 2025
It’s almost laughable that Scott Carson is still a City player considering how little he has featured for them since arriving from Derby County in 2021, having originally joined on loan in 2019.
The England veteran was brought in as a way to improve his Citizens quota but has made just two appearances in that time, warming the substitutes’ bench or not even in the matchday squad most weeks.
Now 39, Carson’s time at City looks likely to end once this season ends, having signed a one-year extension last year. He turns 40 in September and the club will certainly be able to find a stronger domestic option between the sticks – perhaps someone who is equally happy to play a part in the squad.
2
Kevin De Bruyne
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
When you think of the greatest players in City’s history, it’s impossible not to think of Kevin De Bruyne, who has lit up the Etihad on so many occasions. The Belgian is not only one of the Citizens’ true greats, but one of the best players to grace the Premier League.
Now 33, cracks are starting to appear with De Bruyne injury-wise and his legs lacking energy, meaning there is a huge decision for the club to make at the end of the season.
The average is out of contract at that point, and he can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club now that the January window is open.
It feels more and more like his time as a City player is coming to an end. Kyle Walker asked to move to a different country and it’s easy to see the same happening with De Bruyne.
Of course, there is the option for City to offer De Bruyne an extension if they feel there is still a lot of life left in him, but there is a question mark against that. Keeping him on huge wages would be a big risk, with Guardiola possibly feeling that a younger replacement needs to be found to inject fresh blood into his squad.
If De Bruyne does leave in the summer, there will no doubt be a special ovation for him at the Etihad at some point as City fans salute one of the most talented footballers in their history.
3
Ilkay Gundogan
Contract expires: June 30, 2025
Ilkay Gundogan’s return last summer was met with plenty of excitement by some City fans, given the influential and legendary figure he was during his first spell at the Etihad. It was a move that made a lot of sense, allowing the German to return to the club on a free after a short spell at Barcelona.
However, it hasn’t worked out as Gundogan and Guardiola would have hoped, with the 34-year-old looking his age, especially after Rodri’s ACL injury saw City’s midfield lose so much of its dynamism.
As has always been the case with the German, Gundogan’s effort levels cannot be disputed, but he simply cannot cover the ground as effortlessly as he once did, and that has no doubt played a part in City’s struggles.
The former Germany international signed a one-year deal with the Citizens last year, but also has the option to extend his stay at the Etihad for a further 12 months. A recent one report has claimed Gundogan’s future is uncertain, with the likes of Galatasaray eyeing him at the end of the season.
Like De Bruyne, the time may be right for City to move on, allowing Guardiola to usher in a new era at the club by signing players in their 20s rather than having aging figures in the middle of the park.
2025-01-15 20:10:00
