Sunday, December 22, 2024

Silva, Phillips & Cancelo: The Manchester City stars that could be following Ilkay Gundogan out of the Etihad?

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While Manchester City might have made real history earlier in the month as they were crowned treble champions, it appears that the Premier League giants could be set for a squad overhaul this summer.

With many around the Etihad left heartbroken as Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona was officially confirmed on Monday morning, it has been suggested that the German ace is just the first of many first-team stars who could be heading for the exit.

Although Pep Guardiola’s record-breakers might remain heavily linked with both Declan Rice and Josko Gvardiol, it has been their potential departures that have stollen plenty of the headlines.

Ahead of what looks like it could be another rollercoaster summer at the Etihad over the next couple of months, we have taken a look at three Manchester City stars who could all be on the move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Joao Cancelo

While Joao Cancelo might have made an immediate impact after arriving at the Etihad back in the summer of 2019, all signs are pointing towards a messy exit from Manchester this year.

At the heart of what was a public falling out with Guardiola when returning from the World Cup’s winter break, the former Juventus defender was shipped out to German giants Bayern Munich on a short-term loan deal.

However, failing to establish himself as a regular at the Allianz Arena, Thomas Tuchel’s side made it clear that they would not be pursuing the chance to snap up Cancelo on a permanent basis.

Returning to the Etihad and with Guardiola making it clear that the Portuguese international is not part of his plans going forward, the 29-year-old has plenty of admirers this summer.

While The Sun might have reported earlier in the month that Arsenal have opened tentative talks over a potential move for Cancelo, it is Barcelona who appear to be sat in pole position.

With Xavi confirming their interest in the 44-cap international, the Spanish icons find themselves priced at 6/4 with 1xBet to pinch another Manchester City superstar this summer.

Bernardo Silva

Playing a crucial role as Manchester City got their hands on a maiden Champions League crown earlier in the month, Bernardo Silva has only continued to cement his spot as a key part of Guardiola’s plans over the past few seasons.

However, while the 28-year-old might have become a real fan favourite around the Etihad since arriving from Monaco back in 2017, there has been extended speculation that the Portuguese international has one eye on a move away from the Premier League.

While the Man City hierarchy might be desperate for Silva to extend his stay past the summer, it is no secret that the 82-cap international is a midfield star in high demand ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

While French giants PSG might reportedly have Silva at the top of their summer wishlist, Silva has a potentially career-defining decision to make over the coming weeks after receiving a blockbuster Saudi approach this month.

The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Saudi side Al-Hilal have offered Silva a jaw-dropping proposal that could see him earn £75million-per-season. With a real decision to make, the Portuguese superstar is priced at 3/2 with Pribet to follow the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Middle East.

Kalvin Phillips

While Manchester City might have seen their £90million offer for Rice rebuffed by West Ham on Tuesday afternoon, it is expected that the Premier League champions will return to the table with an improved offer.

With Guardiola desperate to bring in a replacement for Gundogan this summer, it appears that the German international is not the only midfield star who will be heading for the Etihad exit.

Although Kalvin Phillips might have only made the move from boyhood club Leeds last summer, the England international has drastically failed to find any kind of stability since arriving in the blue half of Manchester.

Sat firmly behind the likes of Rodri and John Stones in Guardiola’s midfield pecking order, the arrival of Rice this summer could certainly be the final nail in Phillips’ City coffin.

With City reportedly already looking to move the England international on this summer, The Daily Mail are suggesting that Guardiola would be open to using Phillips in a makeweight with West Ham in their pursuit of Rice.

Despite reported interest from the likes of Newcastle and Wolves over recent weeks, the Hammers find themselves priced at 7/2 with Olympusbet to snap up the ex-Leeds star.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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