Manchester City bid farewell to several players who had achieved a treble during the summer transfer window.
After an outstanding previous season, Pep Guardiola reinvigorated his squad by bringing in talents like Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, and Mateo Kovacic.
However, we've scrutinized the six players released by Guardiola in the summer to assess their progress at their respective new clubs. Let's see how they perform with their new teams since Etihad departure.
Ilkay Gundogan
Image Source: Getty Images
Gundogan is undeniably a legendary figure at Manchester City. The midfielder managed to net 60 goals in 304 appearances for the club, earning a reputation as one of the Premier League's most reliable and clutch players.
In his last seven matches for City, Gundogan was on fire, scoring six goals, including a crucial brace in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, he departed for Barcelona when his contract with City ended.
Since his move to Spain, the German international has made a promising start, featuring in all eleven of Barcelona's games and contributing with four assists along the way.
Riyad Mahrez
Image Source: Getty Images
Manchester City acquired Mahrez for £60 million in 2018, and he contributed 15 goals from 47 matches during the treble-winning season. Despite his performance, he remained on the bench as an unused substitute in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, prompting Guardiola to sell the winger.
The Algerian international made a move to Al-Ahli in a £30 million transfer. In his first match in the Saudi Pro League in August 2023, he assisted Roberto Firmino, a move that some may find unjust.
To date, he has recorded three goals and four assists in nine appearances.
Aymeric Laporte
Image Source: Getty Images
Laporte departed Manchester City for a £23.6 million transfer to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
In January 2018, the 29-year-old arrived at City from Athletic Bilbao in a then-club record deal of £57 million, playing a key role in their achievement of 12 major trophies. However, with only 24 appearances in the 2022-23 season and the acquisition of Gvardiol, his departure became increasingly likely.
The Spanish international has participated in 10 matches for his new club and continues to be the primary choice for the national team.
Cole Palmer
Image Source: Getty Images
Palmer made an impact by scoring in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup matches in August. However, he was unexpectedly transferred to Chelsea for £42.5 million.
Despite being just 21 years old, the forward has brought a sense of self-assuredness and confidence to Stamford Bridge, quickly becoming an essential part of Mauricio Pochettino's developing team.
After Palmer's outstanding performance in the 4-1 victory against Burnley, Pochettino labeled him as "a very talented player" with a "quality".
Source: Planet Football / Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!