REPORT: 3 Man City players must leave to make room for Chukwueze's Milan teammate

Kevin De Bruyne could leave Manchester City at the end of the season (Credit: Imago)

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Kevin De Bruyne could leave Manchester City at the end of the season (Credit: Imago)

REPORT: 3 Man City players must leave to make room for Chukwueze's Milan teammate

Seye Omidiora 15:40 - 31.03.2025

Manchester City are reportedly planning a major reshuffle, with up to three first-team players leaving for one AC Milan star.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing for a midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window, with as many as three first-team players potentially departing to facilitate the signing of AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders.

Reijnders, who has impressed for Milan and the Netherlands, has emerged as a key midfield target for Pep Guardiola's side. 

However, his arrival is contingent on City freeing up space in their squad.

Tijjani Reijnders
Tijjani Reijnders is a reported Manchester City target (Credit: Imago)

Man City’s plan to accommodate Reijnders

According to Football Insider, the players facing potential exits include Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva. All three are over 30 years old, and their powers are perceived to be waning.

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While De Bruyne, Silva and Kovacic have been key players for City, Pep Guardiola is looking to refresh his midfield options. 

Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season | IMAGO

Reijnders is seen as a suitable replacement, offering both defensive solidity and attacking threat.

However, City's pursuit of the Dutch star is complicated by his recent contract extension at Milan, which does not include a release clause. 

This means City would likely need to pay a significant fee, potentially exceeding £50m, to secure his services.

What next for Man City?

It remains to be seen whether the Manchester outfit is successful in their pursuit of Reijnders and the subsequent departures of De Bruyne, Silva and Kovacic. 

However, Guardiola’s men still have targets to achieve before this season concludes. 

The Cityzens face Nottingham Forest for a place in the FA Cup final and also face a battle to return to next season’s Champions League. 

Man City are currently fifth in the Premier League, a position expected to secure qualification for Europe's premier club competition. 

However, they must battle with a glut of clubs, including Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Bournemouth for a top-five berth. 

The outgoing champions host Leicester City on Wednesday, April 2, four days before the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.