Three Man City players could leave as John Stones faces big call on future - 2023/24 squad review

12 months ago, Manchester City's defence and goalkeeper were so secure that the fans had a chant to pay tribute to their stoppers.

Ederson and Ake. Walker and Akanji. Ruben Dias. Johnny Stones.

The goalkeeper was undroppable, and backed up his manager's unerring faith with a Champions League-winning performance in Istanbul. Stones, pushing into midfield, was reinventing the centre-back role. Nathan Ake ended City's prolonged search for a 'proper' left-back. And Manu Akanji was deputising anywhere after signing for the bargain fee of £14m.

Kyle Walker was the only question mark after the treble success. He had been dropped for the final and explored a transfer to Bayern Munich but opted to sign a new contract, earned the captain's armband and no defender started more all season.

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Walker, who turns 34 today, admits his playing time may have to drop in the coming seasons, raising questions over the future of the right-back area. Stones found himself out of the first team picture during the run-in so must knuckle down to reclaim his place over the summer.

Even Dias' place wasn't secure. They were pushed out of the the team by consistent high level performances from the likes of newcomer Josko Gvardiol and with Ake and Akanji fully deserving of their places in the last months of the season on merit. Guardiola stayed true to his mantra that a player performing well will keep the shirt, shaking up the hierarchy in the process.

Behind the defence, Ederson has been linked with an exit and back-up Stefan Ortega says he could leave