Eight Man City stars Pep Guardiola risks losing for free - should contract talks not work out

Graeme Bailey
13 April 2022

Phil Foden Gabriel Jesus Raheem Sterling

Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus among the key players Man City are keen to tie down.

Manchester City may be in the Champions League semi-finals, but they need to get busy off the field. And it's not just incomings they have to worry about - they have a host of contract talks with current players that need to be concluded.

Graeme Bailey takes a look at some of the biggest decisions that are looming at the Etihad for Pep Guardiola and City's hierarchy.

Fernandinho - Contract expires summer 2022

The Manchester City captain has been offered a new deal. Indeed the club left the whole situation open to him. However, after nine years at the Etihad, the Brazilian has confirmed he is heading back to his homeland.

Phil Foden - Contract expires summer 2024

He has a little over two years left on his contract, but let's be clear, Phil Foden is not leaving Manchester City anytime soon. Talks are ongoing over a new deal for the homegrown wonder kid and he looks set to sign before the end of the season.

Raheem Sterling - Contract expires summer 2023

A really interesting situation for the England star. City want him to stay and talks have been ongoing for well over a year. However, there are discussions still to be had.

Barcelona tried to sign him in the January window and it is understood he remains fascinated with the option of such a big move.

Sterling has won almost everything you can with City, but does he think now is the chance to move abroad? Possibly.

One thing that seems certain is City will not let him go into 2023 without a new deal and the prospect of losing him for nothing.

Riyad Mahrez - Contract expires summer 2023

Like Sterling, out of contract in a little over 12 months. Talks are ongoing and it is believed the Algerian is not far away from agreeing terms.

Engaged to a north-west girl, he appears settled in the area and has proven to be a key performer for Pep Guardiola since his move from Leicester City in 2018. It would be a shock if he left.

Gabriel Jesus - Contract expires summer 2023

Another player out of contract next year and this one is a curious one for City.

Pep Guardiola has showered Jesus with praise having converted the striker into a right-sided player.

The fact he started their potential title decider with Liverpool says a lot for his standing within the City squad.

Jesus, though, at 24, has a big decision to make. He is not short of suitors should he decide his future lies away from the Etihad.

Ilkay Gundogan - Contract expires summer 2023

The German is 32 later this year and has been a brilliant performer for Pep Guardiola's side.

But contract talks have yet to begin.

City have been linked with Declan Rice and the Gundogan situation could be impacted by that. He may be allowed to run down his deal.

Rodri - Contract expires summer 2024

He may have two years left on his deal, but it wouldn't be a shock to see City make a move to tie down the Spanish midfielder for longer.

Having taken time to settle in England, Rodri has developed into one of the best holding players in the world and City will not even entertain the question of him leaving.

Kyle Walker - Contract expires summer 2024

Despite being in his 30s, Walker continues to show himself as one of the Premier League's best full-backs.

Two years remain on his contract, but he looks to have a lot of top-flight football left in him. Again it wouldn't be a surprise if he was to sign a new deal with the club he has starred for since joining from Tottenham in 2017.