Opinion: 5 Best Manchester City Players Currently Out On Loan

With one of the deepest squads in world football, let alone the Premier League, their isn’t room for everyone in the Manchester City team.

To get first team football, some players will need to leave the club on loan. But who are Man City’s best players currently out on loan?

For the purposes of this list, we won’t be including Joao Cancelo. While he’s undoubtedly a world class player, it looks unlikely that he will be returning to the club, as Bayern Munich appear keen on signing him permanently.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

The only defender on the list, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been sensational while on loan at Burnley in the Championship this season.

He has played in all but three of Burnley’s league games this season. Currently, the Clarets are at the top of the Championship – they’re having a great season with Vincent Kompany at the helm.

So far this campaign, Harwood-Bellis has scored one goal and notched up a pair of assists in all competitions.

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen’s life at Manchester City may not have got off to the best of starts. Regardless, he’s enjoying a great spell on loan at Middlesbrough at the moment.

Managed by former Manchester United player Michael Carrick, Boro are sitting in third in the table, despite a poor start to the season.

A solid shot stopper, Steffen does often struggle with commanding his area – regardless, upon his return to the City squad, he should be able to function as an admirable understudy to Ederson.

James McAtee

Hailing from Salford, the endlessly creative James McAtee blends great passing ability with excellent dribbling and explosive pace through the centre.

So far this season, he has scored three goals alongside two assists in all competitions for Sheffield United. At just 20 years of age, the potential this young man has is mind boggling.

He’s also represented England at various youth levels, including the U18s, the U20s and the U21s.

Tommy Doyle

Another midfielder on loan at Sheffield United, Tommy Doyle offers energy and hard work alongside McAtee’s raw talent.

He’s best played in a box-to-box role, but can also function admirably as a defensive midfielder. This season, he’s scored one goal and racked up two assists in the Championship.

Aged just 21, he still has plenty to learn. Pep Guardiola loves hard working midfielders – could we see him featuring in the first team next season?

Yan Couto

Brazilian full back Yan Couto has been at Manchester City for longer than you might think – he joined the Sky Blues back in 2020, despite interest from Barcelona.

Currently experiencing his second stint on loan at Girona, he also enjoyed a fruitful spell at Portuguese outfit Braga last season.

Couto has been a prolific starter for Brazil at youth level – mainly the U17s, for whom he won 25 youth caps.