What's the Outlook for Manchester City's Fringe Players in 2015/16?

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling is set to join Manchester City for £49 million, making him the most expensive English player of all time, according to BBC Sport. It brings to a close the most protracted transfer saga of the summer. City have finally got their man after a long chase involving three separate bids.

And Sterling is unlikely to be last man through the Etihad entrance this offseason. Manuel Pellegrini knows his squad needs revamped after a rather limp 2014-15 season, with Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne thought to be high on the club’s list of priorities.

With the club now free from the UEFA sanctions that limited their net spending last summer, other deals are expected—especially if City can shed some of the players on the periphery of their first team and free up some extra cash to spend on incoming talent. 

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But where does that leave their current stars?

Samir Nasri is in a strange position. He’s one of City’s best-paid players, and he has a high opinion of his own ability. When he’s fit and in form, there’s no doubt he’s a regular starter. Regardless of who City sign, Nasri can compete with most attacking midfielders in Europe when he's at his best.

The problem for the Frenchman is his inconsistency, and last season, it was a fine example of his limitations. After emerging as one of City’s most important players in December and January, he found himself on the sidelines and contributing little by March.

His half-time substitution in the Nou Camp was pretty much the end of his season, as he failed to start any of City’s last 11 matches. Injury accounted for a couple of those absences, but he was clearly dropped and not fancied.

Sterling’s arrival threatens Nasri's place in the side. The 20-year-old can operate anywhere across City’s attacking midfield places. A No. 10 in the making, he currently excels when cutting in from the left and exploding down the right. As a result, Nasri could find himself battling for game time.

A move away appears unlikely, though, given his high wage demands. Few clubs can afford him, and the ones that can are already blessed with outstanding attacking options.

He has the quality needed to remain an integral part of the side. The question now is whether he can show the mental toughness and professionalism needed to keep himself at the forefront of Pellegrini's plans. Consistency is key. 

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It was also painfully obvious throughout much of last season that Edin Dzeko was struggling for form. The Bosnian striker who was so often responsible for key goals over the past few years managed just six in all competitions in 2014/15, and he played just nine minutes of City’s last seven league games.

The likelihood is he could be sacrificed in the current transfer window. Roma are said to be interested, according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail. A move could be just what Dzeko needs—a new challenge, a new set of fans to win over and, in Serie A, a league that would appear to suit his style nicely.

However, if he does stay, there’s nothing to say he can’t reassert himself in Pellegrini’s starting XI. The Chilean is an admirer of Dzeko’s game, and his record speaks for itself: 71 goals in 185 games since his arrival in 2011, many of them vital ones.

But with Wilfried Bony set to be given a chance to prove himself after a slow start since his January arrival and the possibility of another forward joining the mix, Dzeko would likely be on the periphery again, entering games from the bench.

At 29, he will want guarantees over his place in the side. Pellegrini is unlikely to be able to give them to him. A move away seems increasingly likely. He will leave having contributed significantly to City’s recent success, but the time feels right for all concerned.

Jesus Navas was a first-team player last year, featuring in 35 league games in all competitions and proving something of a favourite of Pellegrini's. However, the impending arrival of Sterling means his role is now likely to be reduced.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Navas, though, is the ideal squad player. He’s hardly the type to moan if he isn’t starting week in and week out, and he never lets the side down defensively. He's diligent and hardworking, the kind of player every side needs. 

He can stretch play when City are going forward, providing pace on the break, and he offers total protection to Pablo Zabaleta behind him. He's often criticised for not being the kind of world-class ball-carrier City need. Perhaps with Sterling coming in, Navas' talents can be used more sparingly and win over the fans. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and follows the club from a Manchester base. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.