Manchester City have been in miserable form since the turn of the year. At Christmas they were level on points with Chelsea, and now they’re clinging on to a Champions League spot with Liverpool breathing down their necks.
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Man City transfer news
Speculation is rife regarding possible departures this coming summer, with Yaya Toure – one of the most feared midfielders in world football just twelve months ago – ranking highly on the list, despite quotes to the contrary in the Daily Mail.
City’s ageing squad have certainly been exposed in recent weeks and it could be a big summer for the former (it’s probably not too soon to call them that now) Premier League champions. Here are eight players we would let go…
8) Fernandinho
Has been steady but not spectacular since his arrival at City the summer before last. He’s certainly never lived up to the £34m price-tag that was paid for him. With his 30th birthday just a month away, they might do well to get rid while the Brazilian still maintains some of his value.
7) Bacary Sagna
The former Arsenal man has been a flop at the Etihad, having unsurprisingly failed to dislodge Pablo Zabaleta from the starting line-up. He’s made just nine Premier League appearances for his new club, and would surely be served better by getting first-team football elsewhere.
6) James Milner
Out of contract in the summer, and as something of a bit-part player is perhaps not worthy of a new deal. The 29-year-old has plenty to offer, but is another ageing name who is dragging his feet on the club’s already stretched wage-budget. He’s certainly not irreplaceable either.
5) Samir Nasri
His attitude has caused no end of problems for City, while his performances have always lacked the consistency that they once held for Arsenal. The Frenchman has struggled to get into the first-team during the second-half of the campaign, and looks likely to mutually part ways.
4) Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian has been a solid scorer for City over the years, but his form has escaped him so far this season. With Wilfried Bony having also joined Sergio Aguero ahead of him in the pecking order, he’s since enjoyed fewer chances. Just six goals in 30 games for him this term.
3) Jesus Navas
Another player who’s rarely, if ever, produced his best form for the club. The Spaniard has scored seven goals and produced 22 assists in his two seasons at the club, although the vast majority of those came during the previous campaign. At 29, it might be time for him to go.
2) Stevan Jovetic
Injuries have prevented him from ever settling at the club. While his 39 appearances have produced 11 goals in the last two years, his City future was as good as over when he was left out of the club’s Champions League squad ahead of the competition’s knock-out stages.
1) Yaya Toure
A wonderful player over the last four or five years, but perhaps someone who, like so many of his teammates, is nearing the end of his peak playing days. He’s managed just nine goals this season, having scored 24 last time around, while there’s likely to be plenty of interest in him.