Manchester City might not have made many new signings this summer but they have been busy securing the futures of some of their star players.
On Wednesday, Ederson became the fourth City player to sign a new long-term deal this year, following in the footsteps of Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Ruben Dias.
While handing out new contracts might not get fans as excited as signing new talents, it’s smart business by City. In doing so they’re guarding against their best players leaving for free, carefully managing the wage structure at the club and spreading the cost of transfer fees over more years, reducing yearly expenditure and conforming to financial fair play regulations.
The question is, who should be next in line for a new deal?
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling’s current deal expires in June 2023, meaning that just in 18 months’ time he’ll be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club of his choosing.
Obviously, City don’t want that to happen, not only because he’s one of their best players but also because the club could demand a hefty fee if he did decide he wanted to leave.
As evidenced by their efforts to tie Sterling to a new deal, City want to keep their star man. The fact that they haven’t yet been able to do so is a concern, but the club’s hierarchy will be hopeful that Sterling will be persuaded to extend his stay in Manchester.
Sterling’s return of ten goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season wasn’t quite up to his high standards, so a better 2021/22 might be needed if the club are to reach an agreement with his representatives.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus looked set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer having grown frustrated over a lack of game time last season. Guardiola’s use of the false nine system severely restricted the Brazilian’s involvement post-Christmas, but he appears to have found a new lease of life this term.
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Guardiola has decided that Jesus is now a winger, with Ferran Torres preferred as a number nine.
Jesus excelled out wide in the recent 5-0 wins against Norwich and Arsenal, so a new deal looks like it could well be on the horizon.
His current contract expires in 2023, and at 24 years of age, his best football may yet be to come. When you consider that Riyad Mahrez, City’s other right-wing option, will be 31 by the end of the season, it’s conceivable that Jesus could become City’s long-term option.
Fan Brands – Man City
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Phil Foden
Phil Foden is the most exciting English talent around and a shining example of what the City Football Academy can achieve.
Having impressed last season for City and for England at Euro 2020, there’s no doubting that the club’s hierarchy will be looking to keep him at the Etihad for a very long time to come.
While a contract renewal isn’t a pressing matter given that Foden’s current deal expires in 2024, sooner or later City will want to reflect his growing involvement in the team by offering him a new deal.
Who do you think should be next to receive a new deal at City? Follow our new City Fan Brands Writer Alex Brotherton on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
