Such is the difficulty of challenging Pep Guardiola's talented squad, City have been forced to sell before they might have felt ready.
That's happened already this summer.
Carlos Borges was the surprise exit from the academy, initially looking set to join West Ham United before diverting to the Netherlands.
Ajax have a bit of a reputation for spotting talent.
Guardiola seemed to hint that the same fate could fall upon Cole Palmer, who wants more game time.
The City winger could inherit the minutes of Riyad Mahrez but isn't prepared to sit around and wait to see what might develop in the transfer window.
Denne historien er fra August 19, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra August 19, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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