Manchester City have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Micah Richards will not be extending his contract, which could lead to the player being sold in the summer. The 25-year-old came through the ranks at City and he has been one of the established players at the club.
However, the form of Pablo Zabaleta has not allowed Richards to even get a look in into the City first-team. Even when Zabaleta has been unavailable, Richards has been unlucky to miss out on the first-team chances due to injury.
Like several other City players who have come through the youth academy in recent years, he could be set for a move away from the Etihad stadium after being flushed out by the millions spent on new players. Since Richards is one of the homegrown players, several clubs are already showing interest in him. The 25-year-old could choose between the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea when it comes to his next destination. City were interested in keeping him, but with 12 months left on his contract, the player has decided not to sign a new deal.
City will now look at selling him rather than losing him on a free transfer next year.
“It is with a heavy heart that Micah has told City that he will not be signing his new deal and they have now accepted he will be leaving. Micah has grown up at City and given his all but this is the right time to move on,” said a source to major news companies. Richards is extremely versatile and can also play a number of positions across the back four. He has primarily featured in the right back position, but City have used him as a centre back and right winger in the past.
