Manchester City are set for talks with big-name players over the coming weeks as they work to streamline a bloated squad.
City crashed out of the Club World Cup by losing 4-3 after extra time against Al Hilal in the last 16, with Pep Guardiola’s squad now afforded a month off before returning to training.
Twenty-seven players were out in the United States and Guardiola has a total of 32 players on the books. City realise the need to offload a significant number before the end of August.
With director of football Txiki Begiristain’s reign now coming to an end, predecessor Hugo Viana will take sole charge of the outgoings. City pressed ahead with four signings ahead of the trip to America but now need to trim the numbers.
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan is wanted by Galatasaray, while John Stones didn’t play a single minute of the competition despite claiming he was past his injury hell. Both have suggested they want to stay at the Etihad Stadium next season.
Nathan Ake has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, with January signings Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis barely earning a look in.
Ederson was heavily criticised for his role in the defeat by the Saudi Pro League side in Orlando – making just one save all night – but has insisted his immediate future lies with City.
Mateo Kovacic, who has admirers in Europe, underwent Achilles surgery last month and could be out until September.
England internationals Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are all surplus to requirements, with Under-21 captain James McAtee attracting strong interest from the Bundesliga.
Due to homegrown quota rules, City need to offload four foreign players to avoid Guardiola having to leave anybody out of the club’s 25-man Champions League squad.
City are understood to be prioritising new contracts for Ruben Dias and Rico Lewis. Discussions with their representatives are set to open soon. Rodri, who has two years left on his deal, has complained of fitness issues over the past week on his comeback from a serious knee injury.
