Man City must make De Bruyne transfer call as one player set to leave – 2023/24 squad review

When Kevin De Bruyne limped off during the opening game of the season, Manchester City will have feared the worst.

De Bruyne would sit out the first five months of the season, before returning in the new year to make up for lost time with some fine goals and assists. In his place, Julian Alvarez deputised well at No.10 and Phil Foden took on the responsibility of winning games on his own.

Rodri proved his enduring quality again with a season that almost ended unbeaten until the FA Cup final defeat, with a promising debut campaign from Mateo Kovacic. This summer will present different challenges, however, with players getting older, transfer interest in some key men and decisions required over the future of City's midfield.

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In the second of a three-part squad review, we take a look at where each midfielder stands after 2023/24 and what they must do next season. Read the first part looking at the goalkeepers and defenders here.

Kalvin Phillips is a prime candidate to leave after a nightmare season. The only question is whether he can find a permanent exit or whether he will leave on loan again. Everton have been linked with a temporary move for a player under contract until 2028.

There are rumours that De Bruyne could be tempted over a move to Saudi Arabia, while Bernardo Silva may be in demand again with a reported £50m release clause inserted into the contract he signed last summer.

Matheus Nunes will be keen to kick on after a frustrating debut season, unless he is offered the chance to play more regularly