Five Man City players who could leave in January

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Dec 2024 18:48 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester City will be busy in the January transfer window.

It has been a disappointing campaign for the Cityzens off the back of Rodri's season-ending ACL injury, which has completely upset the balance of Pep Guardiola's team.

As a result, Man City will look to add at least one midfielder in the January transfer window, but it may not be all about incomings at the Etihad. Several of the club's big-name star players face uncertain futures and may depart Manchester in 2025.

Below, FootballTransfers looks at five players who could leave Man City in January...

READ MORE: Five players who could join Man City in January

Ederson (Goalkeeper)

Starting at the back, it is clear that Ederson's illustrious time at Man City is coming to an end. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a summer exit but no move ultimately materialised.

Over the course of the season, Ederson has lost his place to Stefan Ortega and this will be a frustrating situation for the 31-year-old, who threw his toys out of the pram last term when his deputy received glowing praise for his performances.

Man City would be loathe to lose the shot-stopper in the winter, but Saudi clubs may come calling again just as they did in the summer.

READ MORE: Latest Man City transfer news

Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Left-back)

21-year-old Josh Wilson-Esbrand has been part of Man City's first team for some time, but minutes have been hard to come by. The England youth international is a traditional left-back and therefore doesn't quite suit Guardiola's style.

He has spent time on loan at Coventry, Stade Reims and Cardiff and could be set for another temporary move away from Man City in January in a bid for more consistent minutes.

Kyle Walker (Right-back)

Kyle Walker is Man City's captain but his importance to the side has massively decreased this season. At 34, Walker is no longer the explosive full-back of years past, even if he is still very fast for his age.

With his time at the highest level coming to an end, there has been rampant speculation over a departure from Man City before his contract expires in 2026.

A return to boyhood club Sheffield United has been mooted in what would be a fairytale ending to his storied career.

James McAtee (Attacking midfielder)

Ahead of this season, James McAtee looked set to play a big role at Man City. Having impressed on loan at Sheffield United last term and then in pre-season, the 22-year-old was kept around as a kind of belated replacement for Cole Palmer.

However, like the Chelsea star before him, McAtee has found regular minutes hard to come by. Guardiola has rarely used him despite Kevin de Bruyne's persistent injury problems.

Unsurprisingly, then, Premier League clubs are queuing up to sign McAtee in January, with Wolves and Crystal Palace among the sides interested in him.

Jack Grealish (Man City)

Jack Grealish was on top of the world when Man City won a historic treble in 2022/23, but his hangover following the celebrations has now lasted for a season and a half.

The England international has not been the same player since and is becoming almost a forgotten figure at Man City, primarily making cameo appearances off the bench.

There has been speculation surrounding Grealish's future for 12 months now and it is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Most Premier League sides would surely love to have a player like him on their team.