5 Manchester City Players Who Must Move on This Summer

It has become incredibly hard to make an impression at Manchester City.

With the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure in the side, plenty of quality players have fallen by the wayside.

Many are struggling to get time on the pitch, or simply don't suit Roberto Mancini's style of play.

The following five must move on quickly.

If a transfer away from the Premier League champions isn't confirmed this summer, another season of heartache awaits them all.

Adam Johnson

I feel for Adam Johnson.

He remains one of England's best wingers, but he wasn't given much of a chance last season. Johnson started only 10 Premier League games and came off the bench 16 times to help his team.

For a player of his quality, this isn't good enough.

He still managed to contribute six goals and two assists in City's championship-winning campaign, but any thrill Johnson might have enjoyed from his team's achievement was likely offset by frustration over his own individual play during the season.

With just one start in the Champions League, F.A. Cup and Europa League, Johnson's lack of playing time began to have greater implications on his career.

As Roy Hodgson decided on his Euro 2012 squad, Johnson was left at home.

His entire year was summed up by his inclusion on England's official stand-by list. That players such as Stewart Downing and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are currently above him on the international hierarchy would—for different reasons—hurt a player of Johnson's stature.

Johnson remains an effective player. His direct style and ability to run with the ball would be an asset to any team in the world.

With a consistent run of games, his form would surely improve.

According to ESPN, Roberto Mancini has challenged the winger to up his standards, but I think Johnson's better off elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Johnson signed a new five year deal in November 2011 (via The Daily Mail), though he will probably remain sidelined for the duration of the contract.

Costel Pantilimon

Pantilimon has one of the toughest jobs in the world: dislodging Joe Hart from the number-one goalkeeper spot.

Let's face it, this will never happen.

Unless Hart sustains a serious injury, the giant Romanian will be used only sporadically—or in Capital One Cup ties.

In total, Pantilimon started seven games last season. Whatever the level of competition, this isn't enough for a 25-year-old keeper who needs playing time to keep improving.

His last competitive appearance for City came in the 3-2 FA Cup loss to Manchester United. Pantilimon didn't perform well that day, and his lack of exposure to the Etihad crowd could be dangerous.

If he's drafted in only every so often, Pantilimon will have his every move scrutinized. Playing under such pressure isn't healthy.

A loan move is definitely a good idea, but if Pantilimon is going to become one of the world's best goalkeepers, he needs to pack his bags.

Edin Dzeko

For all of his faults, Edin Dzeko had an excellent record last season.

He racked up 14 goals from 16 starts and 14 sub appearances in the Premier League. Unfortunately, in a team of City's quality, this strike ratio isn't enough to guarantee playing time.

For every goal, the Bosnian has a habit of making a mistake.

Whether it's a poor touch, a failure to pass at the right time or even blocking Sergio Aguero after a stunning run into the box, Dzeko has a habit of diminishing City's threat.

Aside from superb performances against Spurs and Manchester United, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly where the striker succeeded last season.

Sure, he netted a vital equalizer against QPR on the final day, but from such close range, it would have been harder to miss.

With City reportedly hunting the signature of Robin van Persie, it's difficult to spot exactly where Dzeko will fit in.

According to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror, the club has already turned down a bid from Juventus and are keen to keep the Bosnian in the squad. If the Arsenal Dutchman makes the Etihad his new home, I can't imagine why Manchester City would need Dzeko to stick around.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Adebayor's continued City stay is becoming a source of much frustration for the club.

The summer has been spent negotiating personal terms with Spurs, where the striker enjoyed a fantastic 2011-12 season.

After continued discussions, things appear to have turned sour between Adebayor and his current employers.

According to Wayne Veysey at Goal.com, Adebayor is planning to scupper his £4 million transfer to White Hart Lane if he isn't given the entire fee himself.

For a player who hasn't made a competitive City appearance since December 2010, this is incredibly brazen. Consider the fact that he's remained on the payroll at £175,000 per week, and you have to question his mental state.

It's quite obvious why Adebayor should move on from Man City. He doesn't want to be at the club, and Mancini certainly doesn't want him.

His sale would also free up a healthy chunk of transfer money for the manager who, according to ESPN, continues to air his frustration towards the lack of new signings.

Stefan Savic

I don't believe Stefan Savic is an awful player, and at 21 years old, his potential is clear.

Unfortunately, he's at the wrong club.

The Montenegrin defender's most famous run in the City side was riddled with errors.

Filling in for the suspended Vincent Kompany in this year's Carling Cup, Savic made a number of mistakes that launched an onslaught of criticism. He often misplaced passes, got caught out of position and even conceded an important penalty in the loss to Liverpool.

Simply put, he doesn't have time to alter this image.

City is now a club that needs instant results, but they are unlikely to get that from Savic. Instead, if Savic is on the team sheet, you can expect he will be targeted by every opponent.

Although he's sure to improve, Savic needs to continue developing away from the pressures of the Premier League.