Top 5 players who should leave Man City in 2026

SillySeason will look into players that should consider a move away from the Etihad Stadium

Players who should leave Man City? Who are Manchester City players who should leave? Have you ever wanted to find out which of Man City players who should leave in upcoming transfer window? well, if you have then worry not because we have prepared a list of the players who should leave Man City in 2026. Watch & Bet Football Here =>

Another feature from SillySeason today and it’s time to look into which players should leave certain clubs. Today, we are focusing on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Over the past few days, we have looked into what players should leave Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and also Liverpool, but today we will be focusing on last season’s Premier League winner, City.

Now a few players have already agreed to leave City over the past few months, leaving their squad pretty slim as it is, but there are still some players at the Etihad Stadium who would benefit with a move away from the club over the January transfer window.

With City many players all leaving in recent months as a result of contract expiration, City’s squad is rather small as it stands, but with January signings expected to arrive, SillySeason will look into possible players who could or maybe should leave the Etihad.

Top 5 Players Who Should Leave Man City in January 2026

Manchester City, under the meticulous guidance of Pep Guardiola, has built a formidable squad that has dominated both domestic and European competitions. However, even the most successful teams must evolve, and this often requires difficult decisions.

As the January 2026 transfer window approaches, several City players are being linked with exits to make way for fresh talent and ensure the squad remains balanced and competitive.

Here are five players who could, or perhaps should, leave the Etihad Stadium this January. Watch & Bet Football Here =>

So lets begin at number-5.

5. Nathan Ake (Defender)

Manchester City’s versatile defender Nathan Aké has quietly become one of the standout rumours heading into January.

Reports suggest Aké is open to a move to Barcelona, largely to secure more regular minutes and boost his chances of making the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad.

City are assessed to be willing to sell rather than loan him, while Barcelona’s financial constraints may complicate a deal.

At 30, Aké offers significant experience across the backline but finds himself behind the likes of Gvardiol and Dias in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order.

A switch to La Liga would reinvigorate his career and add a technically adept defender to Barcelona’s reshaped squad.

4. Kalvin Phillips (Midfielder)

Maybe another shock name to go onto the list but Kalvin Phillips will not want to be third-choice midfielder at the club.

Kalvin Phillips’ City career has been one of patience and frustration. Once a marquee signing, the former Leeds midfielder has scraped just minutes of Premier League action since joining and looks increasingly surplus to Guardiola’s plans.

Rumours strongly suggest a January exit is likely, as Phillips seeks consistent game time.

At 29, he still offers savvy positional awareness and a composed presence in midfield — qualities any team seeking stability could benefit from.

A move to a mid-table Premier League or ambitious Championship club could reignite his career, something that seems unlikely at the Etihad without guaranteed minutes. Watch & Bet Football Here =>

3. Oscar Bobb (Attacking Midfielder)

Young attacking midfielder Oscar Bobb has flashed talent but struggled to secure regular starts in Manchester City’s star-studded front line.

Fan sources and rumour threads have circulated that Bobb could be loaned out or even sold this winter to free up squad space and allow him to develop with more playing time.

Bobb’s clever movement and dribbling make him an attractive option for clubs in need of creative spark — particularly in Serie A or the Bundesliga.

A well-matched loan could transform his trajectory and build value for City in the long term. Watch & Bet Football Here =>

2. Omar Marmoush (Winger)

Number-two was a very hard choice but we went with Omar Marmoush.

Despite his pace and athleticism, Marmoush’s opportunities have been limited amid competition from established attackers.

Recent rumours list Tottenham and Aston Villa among clubs showing interest, with City potentially willing to let him go if the right offer arrives.

For Marmoush, a January move could be the breakthrough he needs to consistently feature in first-team football.

Clubs seeking dynamic wide options will see his potential to stretch defences and impact games with direct runs.

Tough choice this one.

1. James McAtee (Midfielder)

The easiest choice out of the lot.

City’s academy graduate James McAtee has been in solidarity with the first team but hasn’t cemented a regular role this season.

With competition high and aspirations for tangible minutes, McAtee could be linked with a loan or permanent exit to accelerate his development — something echoed in fan and media discussions regarding January strategizing.

His intelligent attacking midfield play and technical quality make him a desirable prospect for clubs in the Championship or lower Premier League echelons who want creativity in the final third.

A smart exit now could pave the way for McAtee to return to the Etihad a more polished talent. Watch & Bet Football Here =>

So there are our five players who should consider leaving Manchester City.

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