Manchester City are vying to end the 2021-22 campaign on a real high by winning three trophies, with the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League all still within their grasp.
While Pep Guardiola's men will be focused with efforts on the pitch, the Citizens are sure to have representatives working behind the scenes as they prepare to delve into the transfer market this summer.
City are set to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2022-23 season, with a new centre-forward seemingly high on the agenda, and while the cash could be splashed on new additions, a number of first-team players could be heading for the exit door.
The Citizens allowed Ferran Torres to return to his native Spain and join Barcelona in January and other stars could also be on their way out at the end of this season.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at five Man City players who could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Fernandinho
City captain Fernandinho is seemingly the most likely player to leave the club this summer, with his contract expiring in June.
The 36-year-old came close to leaving the Citizens last year but eventually extended his contract by a further 12 months, and a similar deal could be on the table for the Brazilian at the end of this season.
Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain are believed to be keen for Fernandinho to remain at the club for the 2022-23 campaign, and one report has suggested that a player-coaching role could be offered to the veteran midfielder.
Since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, Fernandinho has made a total of 373 appearances for City across all competitions, winning four Premier League titles, six EFL Cups and one FA Cup.
Raheem Sterling
After a spell out of the starting lineup at the back end of last season, which sparked speculation over his future, Raheem Sterling has since been a first-team regular for City this season, scoring 14 goals and registering five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
However, the 27-year-old's long-term future at the club is set to be questioned once again this summer, as he has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.
Barcelona are believed to be one team who hold an interest in the England international, who has previously revealed that he would be "open" to a move abroad.
A potential contract extension, however, cannot be ruled out with Guardiola having previously expressed how important the forward is in his first-team squad, despite the arrival of £100m man Jack Grealish last summer.
Gabriel Jesus
Once viewed as a potential heir to club legend Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus has now expressed his desire to play as a winger rather than a central striker for City, and this term he has predominantly operated on the right flank, rotating with Riyad Mahrez.
The 24-year-old has proved to be a key asset for the Citizens over the years, racking up 88 goals in 224 appearances; however, a lack of regular first-team football in recent times has raised question marks over his long-term future in Guardiola's plans.
With the potential arrival of a new number nine – Erling Braut Haaland is seemingly City's primary target at present – and with January signing Julian Alvarez set to join up with the first-team squad for the 2022-23 campaign, Jesus's days at the Etihad could be numbered.
While one report has suggested that City are keen to negotiate an improved contract for Jesus, another has claimed that Serie A giants Juventus are preparing a summer offer to sign the Brazil international, who has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva was strongly linked with a departure from the Etihad last summer and recently revealed that the coronavirus pandemic's effects on his mental health were a contributing factor for why he wanted to leave the club.
However, the Portuguese playmaker eventually stayed put and he has since excelled as one of City's standout players this season, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
While Bernardo is set to hold talks with the Citizens over extending his contract, which expires in June 2025, the 27-year-old has suggested that he could return to his native Portugal within the 'next year or two'.
City supporters will be desperate to see their silky star remain at the club, but such comments about his desire to return home will understandably spark speculation about his long-term future.
Scott Carson
It remains to be seen whether backup goalkeeper Scott Carson will extend his contract at the Etihad, with his current deal set to expire in June.
Since joining from Derby County in August 2019, the 36-year-old has only made two senior appearances for the Citizens, including a 17 minute cameo off the substitutes' bench in the goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League earlier this month.
Despite a lack of minutes on the pitch, Carson is regarded as a positive influence in the dressing room at City, and that may persuade Guardiola to hand the experienced stopper a contract extension.
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