Kelechi Iheanacho Survives Man City Eviction as 4 Players get Axed

Kelechi Iheanacho Survives Man City Eviction as 4 Players get Axed

Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho seems to be in the clear as Manchester City announced on Thursday that a string of players – Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, and Willy Caballero – had been axed from the club.

The foursome join Pablo Zabaleta as players with expiring contracts to leave the club this month as they look to regroup for next season following an underwhelming campaign.

City finished third to claim the last automatic qualification spot for next season’s Champions League, but generally fell short of expectations in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge.

According to ESPN, other players who could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer include those who have spent the past season out on loan, such as Joe Hart, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and Wilfried Bony

This comes amid heightened speculation over the future of Iheanacho after a season that saw him pegged further down the pecking order at the club following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January.

The Super Eagles striker had seven goals in all competitions this season but has played just 130 minutes in the Premier League since the turn of the year when Gabriel joined the first team squad.

A host of Premier League sides, including West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City have been linked with moves for the 20-year-old along with Bundesliga clubs Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund with City reportedly ready to listen to offers of around £20 million.

However, Iheanacho earlier this week waved the speculations away, saying he’s already focusing on City’s preseason tour of the United States in July.

“I’m not very aware of that,” Iheanacho responded to the transfer speculation. “I just keep working with the team and I’m still at Manchester City so I’ll meet up with the boys and kick off the season with Manchester City.

“I’m happy to stay at Manchester City and keep fighting to help them achieve what they want to achieve.”

Iheanacho recently joined up with the Eagles squad for the first of two international friendlies beginning Friday with a clash with Corsica in France.