Manchester City's transfer plans have been explained as the Premier League champions deal with the potential departures of three key players.
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De Bruyne & Ederson 'agree' Saudi movesSilva linked with BarcelonaCombined 18 PL titles between trio(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Last week it was reported that agreements had been reached for Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne to sign for Al-Ittihad, and for Ederson to join Al-Nassr. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona – and even knows what shirt number he wants. These are three important players for Pep Guardiola, but according to, City have no immediate plans to replace them.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
De Bruyne and Ederson's long-term futures appear pretty tenous right now. The Belgian playmaker is out of contract at the end of the coming season and has admitted he is "open" to a Saudi move, while those close to Ederson felt he was ready to move to the Middle East towards the end of the last campaign. In a relief to City supporters, the club reportedly expect both players to remain this summer, and so the need to replace them immediately is reduced.
(C)Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
City have explored the goalkeeper market as they faced the possibility of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega leaving. They may not need to now, though, with Ederson's backup signing a new contract last month to remain in Manchester. He would be considered No.1 if the Brazilian did move on.
WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?
City have spent the early part of the summer focusing on outgoings, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle leaving on permanent deals. They could soon complete their first signing with the expected arrival of Brazilian wonderkid Savinho.