Man City players who could leave before the transfer window deadline
- Ilkay Gundogan has left Man City for Barcelona earlier this summer
- Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have joined Saudi Pro League teams
- Stars of Guardiola's squad still being targeted at late stage in the summer transfer window
Pep Guardiola will have been devastated to see some of his Manchester City treble-winners leave the club this summer.
It has proved surprisingly difficult for the Spaniard to keep some of his favourites at the Etihad. However, for the good of competitive football, it is a blessing for rival sides that some of City's stars have made exits in the transfer window.
Ilkay Gundogan departed for Barcelona while other Guardiola stalwarts like Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have been shipped out. The departures of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal last summer almost proved costly in City's defence of the Premier League title and Guardiola will be keen not to give any of his other rivals a leg-up this time around.
Here are the Cityzens players whose futures are still uncertain at this late stage in the transfer window.
Joao Cancelo
One of those who has missed out on the plaudits received by City's treble-winners is Joao Cancelo.
The 29-year-old left the Etihad halfway through last season to join Bayern Munich on loan after falling out with Guardiola. Having made 17 Premier League appearances and appeared in every Champions League group stage match for the Sky Blues, Cancelo may regret his decision to depart in the middle of a historic season in Manchester.
Having been met by a chorus of boos by Man City supporters when his Bayern side faced the Sky Blues in the Champions League quarter-final, it appears there is no way back for the once invincible Portuguese defender.
While Bayern had the option to make Cancelo's deal permanent for approximately £60m, the Bavarians passed up on the opportunity due to what they consider an excessive fee. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta also holds Cancelo in high-regard having worked with him during his time at Man City, but it's Barcelona who are set to confirm his arrival on loan.
Kyle Walker
Cancelo is not the only full back Bayern have been interested in, with last season's Bundesliga champions also eager to sign Walker.
The 33-year-old impressed last season with his minutes more closely managed and his pace has been crucial in breaking up opposition counter-attacks with John Stones stepping into midfield. His impressive performance against Vinicius Junior in the Champions League semi-final second leg highlights how capable he remains at the highest level.
With his contract set to expire next summer, City are keen to extend his current deal. The English champions are confident Walker will stay, having had the same belief Bernardo Silva would stay put before he signed new terms.
Bayern have been forthright in their attempts to woo Walker this summer as Thomas Tuchel seeks a replacement for the departing Benjamin Pavard and the England international may be keen on a change of scenery having won almost everything there is to win at City.
Kalvin Phillips
Having sealed a dream £45m move from Leeds United, things quickly turned nightmarish for Phillips at City.
The holding midfielder missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury last year and was even criticised by Guardiola for being overweight. As a result, the 27-year-old made just 21 appearances in all competitions, most of which came from the bench, and the curtain may already be closing on his disappointing City career.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool have both taken an interest in Phillips with both teams in need of midfield reinforcements.
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Cole Palmer
21-year-old Palmer enjoyed headline moments against Arsenal and Sevilla in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup but hasn't been afforded a starting role in the Premier League yet this season.
The youngster has already admitted he solely wants to play football this season and whether he will be persuaded to stick around with so many star names ahead of him remains to be seen.
That said, the likes of Riyad Marez and Ilkay Gundogan have departed, possibly opening up an avenue for Palmer to earn more regular minutes.
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