Top Man City players out of contract in 2027 – who could they keep?

Manchester City have plenty to think about ahead of the summer transfer window, with up to eight players set to be out of contract in the summer of 2027.

Unless each of them pledges their allegiance to the club, this summer could be City’s final chance to cash in on those players for a reasonable price.

City have become decent sellers in the transfer market over the past few years, so they shouldn’t have problems finding potential suitors for their out-of-contract stars.

Read on as we take a look at the top City players who are out of contract in 2027 and may leave the club this summer.

Phil Foden

For more than a decade, Phil Foden has grown from a gifted academy prospect into one of the defining figures of Man City’s success in the modern era.

Tipped for greatness from a young age, the midfielder has now made over 350 senior appearances for the club, helping deliver six Premier League titles along the way.

His outstanding form during the 2023/24 campaign also earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Season award, making him a cult hero at the Etihad Stadium.

Foden signed his current contract in October 2022, but discussions over a new deal have been progressing steadily. Sources suggest the next agreement could keep him at the Etihad until 2030.

The 25-year-old is reportedly keen to tie his long-term future to the club despite having a topsy-turvy campaign.

He has bagged 10 goals and five assists in 39 games this season.

Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish is coming to the end of his complicated City career, with his current contract set to run out in the summer of 2027.

City broke the bank to sign Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, forking out £100 million to make the England international the club’s record signing.

As expected, he came in with high expectations but is currently on a season-long loan spell at Everton after falling out of favour at City.

The move to Merseyside allowed him to recapture his mojo.

He was considered a shrewd acquisition at the time, but an unfortunate injury ended his campaign prematurely.

The Toffees hold a £50m purchase option but are unlikely to trigger it.

However, his time at Everton may not be over, with City reportedly open to sending him out on loan for the final year of his contract.

Rodri

Rodri is still one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, although an unfortunate series of injury setbacks have impacted his performances this season.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the end of his illustrious spell at the Etihad, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.

Rodri hasn’t been at his usual elite level since returning from a lengthy lay-off, but he remains an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s tactical set-up.

Guardiola has sometimes had to manage his minutes to avoid another relapse.

But even with a slight dip in performance levels, the difference is clear when he’s not in the mix.

His future at City may be tied to Guardiola’s, with the club already preparing for life after the most successful manager in their history.

Top clubs across Europe are already keeping an eye on Rodri’s situation.

Even if City decides to cash in this summer, they’ll likely demand a sizable fee for their midfield maestro.

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake could call time on his six-year spell at City this summer, after struggling for first-team minutes throughout the campaign.

He has played just 14 times in the Premier League so far, and only four have come from the start.

While he’s still considered a leader in the dressing room, he’ll likely be one of several players to leave the club this summer.

Ake wore the captain’s armband on several occasions during City’s run to the EFL Cup final.

Since joining from Bournemouth in 2020, he has extended his contract just once, and that was in 2023.

With the Netherlands international falling out of favour, questions have been raised about his long-term future.

Reports earlier this year claimed that City may consider offers of around £25m.

If he’s named surplus to requirements this summer, the experienced defender may not have to search for too long to find interested clubs.

Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic is now in his third season with City since joining from Chelsea in 2023.

But injuries have limited his involvement this season, preventing him from playing a consistent role in the squad.

The Croatian midfielder will turn 32 before the summer, and his recent fitness problems could scupper his chances of earning a contract extension.

With his contract set to run out in 2027, City will be keen to cash in on the former Chelsea star rather than let him run down the clock.

Despite his injury woes, Kovacic’s unique skill set and experience will come in handy for any club that decides to take a chance on him.

Cutting him loose this summer makes sense for both parties.

City will fancy their chances of recouping a decent fee for Kovacic, while the four-time Champions League winner may welcome a new adventure.

Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji could be set for a permanent stay in Italy after making a strong impression at Inter Milan.

The Switzerland international completed a loan move to the Serie A leaders on deadline day, halting his three-year spell in England.

Akanji wasted no time asserting himself at the San Siro Stadium and quickly became an important part of Inter’s backline, starting all but two of his 26 league games and has even chipped in with two goals.

Inter have an option to make his move permanent for €15m this summer, and it’s starting to look like a no-brainer, although they may not have a choice if certain conditions are met.

That buy option could become mandatory if Inter win the league and Akanji plays in at least half of their Serie A games.

He has already surpassed the appearance requirement, and with Inter currently seven points clear after 28 games, a permanent move now looks increasingly likely.