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11 Notable Players Who Left Manchester City


11 Notable Players Who Left Manchester City
11 Notable Players Who Left Manchester City

Manchester City’s dominance in English football has been built on a blend of strategic player acquisitions, world-class coaching, and an unparalleled academy system.

Yet, even a club with City’s resources can’t keep every gem in its ranks. Over the years, several promising talents and key contributors have moved on, either in search of regular first-team football or due to decisions made by the club.



Today, many of these players are shining or at the least crafting a new story elsewhere, proving that the roots laid at the Etihad often blossom far beyond Manchester. Let’s take a closer look at 11 notable players who left Manchester City and how they’ve fared since.


Here Are 11 Notable Players Who Left Manchester City



1. Romeo Lavia (Chelsea)

  • Sold for £10m (2022), now worth £33.2m

When Roméo Lavia joined City’s academy from Anderlecht in 2020, he was tipped as a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system. Though he made just two senior appearances, Lavia’s potential was undeniable.


Sold to Southampton for £10 million in 2022, he quickly gained attention, earning a move to Chelsea. With composure beyond his years, Lavia has become one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, although injuries have hindered his playing time at Chelsea.



2. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

  • Sold for £350k (2019), now worth £41.5m

Jeremie Frimpong’s journey is a testament to resilience. After being told he had no future at City, he moved to Celtic in 2019 for a modest £350,000. This decision became the turning point of his career.


At 24, Frimpong has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs, shining under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, who were unbeaten Bundesliga champions in 2024. His electric pace and attacking instincts have transformed him into a sought-after star on the continent.



3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Sold for £42.5m (2023), now worth £108m.

Cole Palmer’s departure from City remains one of the most talked-about exits. Despite being dazzling in the academy and making waves on the first team, Palmer sought a bigger stage.

In 2023, Chelsea acquired the promising star for £42.5 million. Since then, Palmer has blossomed, becoming one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking midfielders.



4. Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)

  • Sold for £20m (2024), now worth £20.8m.

The son of Rory Delap, Liam Delap made headlines for his prolific goal-scoring at youth level. Despite brief first-team appearances, Delap struggled to break through and was sold to Ipswich for £20 million in 2024.


With six Premier League goals already this season, Delap is proving he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. City’s decision to include a buy-back clause might yet pay dividends.



5. Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)

  • Sold for £8m (2017), now worth £25m.

Jadon Sancho’s departure in 2017 remains one of the most talked-about exits in City’s history. Frustrated by a lack of opportunities, Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund for £8 million and quickly became a global star.

A subsequent move to Manchester United didn't go as planned and he was loaned to Chelsea, where he’s now rediscovering his form. Sancho’s rise underscores the incredible talent that City’s academy can produce.



6. James Trafford (Burnley)

  • Sold for £19m (2023), now worth £15m

For James Trafford, Manchester City was where his professional dream began, but not where it flourished. Although he never made a senior appearance for the club, Trafford made a name for himself in training, famously saving a Pep Guardiola penalty.


Seeking regular first-team football, he moved to Burnley in 2023 in a deal worth up to £19 million. Since then, Trafford has shown immense promise, earning a senior England call-up and proving he’s built for the big stage



7. Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)

  • Sold for £2m (2020), now worth £16.6m

Tosin Adarabioyo’s departure from Manchester City came after years of promise in the academy. Joining City at age six, he became a local favourite but struggled for minutes in a star-studded first team.


A 2020 move to Fulham for £2 million opened the doors to consistent Premier League football. Now with Chelsea, Adarabioyo’s career has come full circle, as he is proving his worth among the league’s top defenders.



8. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)

  • Sold for £90k (2022), now worth £41.5m.

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ move to Borussia Dortmund at just 16 years old mirrored Jadon Sancho’s earlier path. While his time at City was brief, he left a lasting impression as one of the academy’s brightest stars.


At Dortmund, Bynoe-Gittens has matured into a winger with explosive pace and dazzling footwork. His decision to leave City’s youth system has clearly paid off, as he’s now valued among Europe’s top young prospects.



9. Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton)

  • Sold for £20m (2024), now worth £20.7m

Stockport-born Taylor Harwood-Bellis was one of City’s homegrown hopes. With just over 500 minutes in first-team action, he left for Southampton in 2024 in a £20 million deal.

A composed centre-back with an eye for leadership, Harwood-Bellis has slotted seamlessly into Southampton’s defence. His journey illustrates how opportunities beyond the Etihad can help players reach their potential.



10. Angelino (Roma)

  • Sold for £5m (2018), bought back for £5.3m (2019), sold again for £16m (2021)

Angeliño’s relationship with City was a tale of ups and downs. Initially joining in 2013 as a youth player, he endured a challenging journey to the first team.


After being sold to PSV Eindhoven in 2018 for £5 million, City exercised a buy-back clause in 2019, only to sell him again to RB Leipzig in 2021. Now at AS Roma, Angeliño’s versatility and flair have made him an invaluable asset for José Mourinho’s squad.



11. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

  • Sold for £1.2m (2023), now worth £33.2m.

Signed from West Brom’s academy at 17, Morgan Rogers had all the hallmarks of a future City star. However, he found opportunities hard to come by and eventually joined Middlesbrough before a move to Aston Villa.

Valued at £33.2 million, Rogers has become a key player for Villa under Unai Emery, showcasing his versatility and sharp attacking instincts. He also scored the winning goal in when Aston Villa hosted City at Villa Park on December 21, 2024, with Pep Guardiola admitting that timing hindered Rogers’ chances at the Etihad.




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