The summer transfer window is quickly approaching and it promises to be another exciting one for Manchester City.
It's unlikely it will be quite as eventful as last year when four pivotal players - Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Aleks Zinchenko - to City's recent success all departed and six new additions were brought in. Pep Guardiola usually likes to make small adjustments to his squad but took the chance to have a proper shake-up last year to keep his team fresh and motivated.
Erling Haaland was the headline signing of course as he heralded a change in the way the Blues approach matches as they'd played without a real striker for two years. His addition has proven to be perhaps even more awe-inspiring than anyone expected while Julian Alvarez and Manuel Akanji have also had bright starts to life in Manchester.
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Instead of sweeping changes this time around it's likely to be a return to normality but that doesn't mean the few additions couldn't be thrilling. Jude Bellingham is set to be the saga of the summer and City are well placed in the race, especially amongst Premier League clubs. Real Madrid could be strong competitors but the allure of working with Guardiola and midfield maestros like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, as well as reuniting with Haaland could prove too good to turn down.
Despite all the anticipation, there is also the prospect of losing players, too. Bernardo, for example, has been hankering for a return to mainland Europe for years, Aymeric Laporte has been linked with a move away amid his lack of playing time and Joao Cancelo may wish to turn his loan into a permanent departure.
Additionally, City are also at risk of losing some players for free.
The biggest blow of which would be Ilkay Gundogan. The German inherited the captain's armband from Fernandinho this season and has stepped into the leadership role brilliantly. He remains one of Guardiola's most trusted lieutenants and is usually picked for the biggest games thanks to the control and composure he brings to midfield.
Losing a player of such vast experience and elegance would be a hammer blow, especially as City are looking to strengthen their options in midfield with the addition of Bellingham rather than ending the summer with the same amount of players. Barcelona have recently been linked with Gundogan but nothing concrete on his future has been announced as of yet.
The other first-teamer who could leave for free this summer is Scott Carson. The third-choice goalkeeper is on a rolling one-year contract though and there is every likelihood he will see his deal extended for yet another season. Guardiola has repeatedly stated how much of a good influence the former England international is in the dressing room. Youngster James Trafford, who has enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Bolton, might be pushing for a spot in the squad, though.
Several youngsters in the club's youth ranks are currently set to see their contracts expire this summer, too. Newly capped Australian international Alex Robertson, fellow midfielder Kian Breckin centre-back Rowan McDonald and goalkeeper pair Cieran Slicker and Joshua McNamara could all leave.
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