After picking up a fourth Premier League title in five seasons, Manchester City are always looking to progress both on and off the field.
Acquiring Pep Guardiola may be the club's finest bit of business, but elite recruitment in the playing department year on year allows the team to compete on multiple fronts.
In the last few years, some of the Blues' most decorated players have left at the end of their contracts - some onto pastures new and others to enjoy retirement.
Much to the heartache of Manchester City supporters, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Agüero - the spine of the club's first Premier League triumph - have left one year after the other.
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Most recently, club captain Fernandinho - a five-time domestic champion - bid a fond farewell to the Etihad Stadium after over eight years of incredible service.
As expected, his name is the first on the list of released Manchester City players this season. Alongside him, as relayed by the Manchester Evening News, is Mohammed Aminu, Jayden Braaf, Rowan McDonald and Kwaku Oduroh.
The other name of note on that list is talented winger, Jayden Braaf. After showing bundles of promise, niggling injuries have halted his progression and a fresh start at Borussia Dortmund might just be what he needs to reignite his career.
Completing the list are a batch of academy players who have not quite made the cut, but will surely enjoy successful careers at other clubs in England and Europe.
Topics: Manchester City, Fernandinho, Premier League
Harry Siddall