Alex James

Rochdale have returned to the EFL after a dramatic National League promotion campaign and are preparing for their first home league fixture in more than three years. The club has revamped the Crown Oil Arena, strengthened its squad and appointed Ian Watson as manager after Jimmy McNulty’s departure. Backed by the Ogden family since its 2024 takeover, Rochdale aims to become financially sustainable and eventually transition to fan ownership. The club also intends to act as a community hub through education, healthcare, green-space and development initiatives, with executives hoping its sporting revival will contribute to a broader transformation of the town.

Manchester Evening News writers predict that Manchester City will finish second in the Premier League behind Arsenal, with squad upheaval and the loss of dressing-room leaders creating concerns about consistency. They expect City to reach at least the Champions League quarter-finals, with one writer forecasting a semi-final exit, and most believe the club will win at least one domestic trophy, particularly the Carabao Cup. Jeremy Doku, Ryan McAidoo and Antoine Semenyo are highlighted as players to watch, while bolder predictions include Erling Haaland scoring 40 to 50 goals, City winning their first five league matches and Rayan Cherki breaking the Premier League assist record.

Manchester City is entering a new era after Pep Guardiola's departure and the exits of several senior players. New manager Enzo Maresca will oversee a rebuild featuring contract extensions for Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku, as well as the arrival of Elliot Anderson, while Erling Haaland remains the team's central attacking figure. The Manchester Evening News is promoting its weekly Talking City podcast, which will provide analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and reaction throughout the 2026/27 campaign via YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Manchester City Under-21s opened their Vertu Trophy campaign with a 4-1 victory over Mansfield Town. Xavier Parker scored twice during a decisive 13-minute first-half spell, with Tyrone Samba and Kylan Midwood also finding the net. Mansfield created numerous chances but were repeatedly denied by new goalkeeper Max Chabot and their own poor finishing, while Regan Hendry scored a late consolation. City manager Oli Reiss praised his young team's determination and defensive resilience.

Rodri has completed a £64.5 million transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona, ending a seven-year spell in Manchester during which he won major trophies and the Ballon d’Or. His departure follows a serious knee injury and recent minor back surgery, leaving the timing of his Barcelona debut uncertain. Rodri thanked Manchester City staff, teammates and supporters, while City pursue Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and remain interested in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as potential replacements.

Manchester City appear set to retain Vitor Reis as their fifth senior centre-back after the young Brazilian impressed manager Enzo Maresca during pre-season. His progress means Juma Bah is likely to leave on loan, with Ipswich Town reportedly interested, while Max Alleyne has already joined Burnley and Watford want Stephen Mfuni back. City otherwise face a busy final fortnight of the transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders and possibly Rodri expected to depart, alongside potential exits for Savinho and Jack Grealish, which could lead to new arrivals including Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Manchester City are expecting significant transfer activity, with Tijjani Reijnders close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah for about £52 million. Young defenders Finley Burns, Lakyle Samuel and Max Alleyne have also departed for Wigan Athletic, Exeter City and Burnley. The club is considering midfield reinforcements, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, while Barcelona are pursuing Rodri but have not met City’s £70 million valuation. City are also monitoring Jules Kounde, Juma Bah and Ayyoub Bouaddi, may seek a winger if Savinho leaves, and have secured new contracts for Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca avoided commenting directly on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández but suggested the club was unlikely to meet Chelsea's reported transfer deadline. He confirmed that City still need midfield reinforcements while Rodri's future remains unresolved and Tijjani Reijnders is close to a £52 million move to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. Erling Haaland is fit, Ryan McAidoo is the only significant fitness concern, and Savinho missed training through illness. Maresca also discussed rebuilding the midfield and preparing City for his first competitive match, the Community Shield against Arsenal.

Manchester City held an open training session at the Joie Stadium ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal. Erling Haaland participated in most of the session but sat out the finale without showing obvious signs of injury. Jack Grealish returned to full group training despite expectations that he will leave, while Reijnders appears close to a move to Saudi club Al Qadsiah. Claudio Echeverri, Jeremy Monga and Kaden Braithwaite trained separately late on, casting doubt on their involvement against Arsenal, whereas manager Enzo Maresca projected a relaxed but ambitious approach focused on competing for trophies.

Six Manchester City players who were given extended post-World Cup breaks—Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland—have returned to training before Sunday's Community Shield match against Arsenal. Rodri is expected back on Friday after minor back surgery but may remain away while City and Barcelona negotiate a potential £60 million transfer. New signing Geronimo Rulli has also joined the squad, while Jack Grealish continues his fitness work and appears likely to leave the club.

Manchester City could face a highly active final three weeks of the summer transfer window, with up to five senior departures potentially generating more than £200 million. Rodri is increasingly expected to leave for Barcelona for around £60 million, while Tijjani Reijnders, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Rico Lewis also have uncertain futures. City are pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a reported £85 million and would need further reinforcements if multiple players depart, including replacements in midfield, on the wing and in attack. The potential volume of exits and signings could push total summer transfer activity toward £500 million.

Savinho’s impressive first-half display in Manchester City’s 3–1 preseason win over Atlético Madrid has reopened questions about whether the £60 million-rated winger should leave. Tottenham remain interested, but Enzo Maresca’s winger-focused system could give Savinho a role, particularly as Antoine Semenyo has excelled and Jeremy Doku is expected to return. With only three weeks left in the transfer window, City must decide whether retaining Savinho is preferable to selling him and finding a replacement.

Rodri’s interest in joining Barcelona is attributed not only to returning to Spain and playing alongside national-team teammates, but also to the Premier League’s punishing workload. At 30, after two injury-hit seasons and years of heavy involvement for club and country, Rodri is seeking a less physically demanding environment with more time for recovery and family. The article argues that La Liga’s sharper gap between its leading clubs and the rest, compared with England’s more competitive depth, could allow Barcelona to offer major honours without requiring him to play at maximum intensity every week.

Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri and are demanding more than £60 million for the midfielder. City will not force him to stay during the final year of his contract but will not sell him below their valuation. Barcelona are considered favourites to sign the 30-year-old after Rodri chose a new challenge, while Real Madrid have changed their plans. City are also preparing replacements, having signed Elliot Anderson and pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi; further midfield departures, including interest in Tijjani Reijnders from Nottingham Forest, could require additional reinforcements.

Manchester City face a demanding final phase of the transfer window as Hugo Viana and Enzo Maresca reshape the squad before the Community Shield and Premier League season. Potential sales of Savinho, Tijjani Reijnders and James Trafford could raise about £160 million, while the combined value of possible departures may reach £230 million. City are considering goalkeeper and midfield options and remain linked with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, but his estimated £70 million fee and injury history have divided supporters. The central challenge is converting a squad capable of competing at the highest level into one able to win the Premier League, while ensuring incoming transfers represent good value.

Manchester City have loaned teenage left-back Christian McFarlane to Leicester City for the 2026–27 season, giving him his first opportunity in senior football. The move follows several other temporary departures involving academy players, including Oli Whatmuff, Spike Britts, Pierce Charles, Mathys Detourbet and Sverre Nypan. City are also considering loans for Max Alleyne, Matty Henderson-Hall, Divin Mubama, Jaden Heskey and other prospects, while Divine Mukasa could either remain with the first team or join another Championship club temporarily.

James Trafford is close to leaving Manchester City for Leeds United in a deal worth around £40 million. His departure, after one season competing with Gianluigi Donnarumma, will leave City seeking another senior goalkeeper. Pierce Charles and Oliver Whatmuff are set for loans, while Marcus Bettinelli is expected to remain third choice, increasing the need for reinforcements.

Kalvin Phillips is close to returning to Sheffield United on loan after being omitted from Manchester City's pre-season tour squad. The 30-year-old midfielder has struggled since his £42 million move from Leeds United in 2022, making only two Premier League starts for City and undertaking loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder wants him back at Bramall Lane, where Phillips made three appearances last season, and the deal is expected to be completed shortly.

Manchester City have confirmed a 28-man squad for their 2026 pre-season tour of Asia. Jack Grealish, who is recovering from injury, and Kalvin Phillips were omitted, fuelling speculation that both could leave the club. Several academy players, including Jeremy Monga, Kaden Braithwaite, Floyd Samba, Jaden Heskey and Ryan McAidoo, were selected alongside senior players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Phil Foden. City will play Inter Milan in Hong Kong, a K-League XI in Seoul and Atlético Madrid during the tour.

Josko Gvardiol has signed a new Manchester City contract running until 2031, ending speculation about transfer interest and making him the third City player in a week to agree fresh terms. The Croatia defender, who was named the club’s Player of the Year for 2024/25 despite missing much of the season with a broken leg, said City have a young, world-class squad capable of challenging for major honours. Gvardiol also welcomed Enzo Maresca’s appointment and expressed confidence in learning from his ideas. Director of football Hugo Viana praised Gvardiol’s versatility, athleticism, professionalism and potential.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery after experiencing discomfort and is expected to miss only a few weeks, with a possible return in late August. His fitness for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth remains uncertain. The procedure comes amid strong transfer interest from Real Madrid, while Rodri has yet to sign fresh terms with City despite being offered a new contract. Rodri has recently returned from earlier injury problems and helped Spain win the World Cup. Coach Enzo Maresca said he was unconcerned by the transfer speculation and expects Rodri to recover and return.

Manchester City appear to have a strong starting XI for Enzo Maresca's first season in charge, with Elliot Anderson strengthening midfield and quality across defence, attack and goalkeeping. The central uncertainty is Rodri's future: he is entering the final year of his contract, remains wanted by Real Madrid and has yet to sign a new offer. His leadership and influence are viewed as crucial after the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones. City are also seeking a winger and right-back, while several fringe players could leave. Despite Arsenal's status as favourites and the potential improvement of other rivals, City are considered well placed to challenge domestically and in Europe if their key players remain fit and Rodri stays.

Jack Grealish’s inclusion or omission from Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Asia is expected to provide an early indication of whether he remains part of Enzo Maresca’s plans or leaves the club this summer. The 30-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Everton and is entering the final year of his contract, has returned to training after an injury. Maresca emphasized his positive relationship with Grealish, leaving open a possible revival despite expectations that the player will move on.

Manchester City are urged to reject any low offer for Rodri despite Real Madrid’s interest and the midfielder having only 12 months left on his contract. Manchester Evening News analysis suggests City should seek at least £80 million and potentially open negotiations at £100 million, arguing that Rodri’s leadership and experience are especially important after Bernardo Silva’s departure. Rodri is recovering from minor back surgery, while the possibility of a free move to Madrid next summer and his desire to return to Spain complicate the club’s decision.

Manchester City are expected to have a busy final few weeks of the transfer window after signing Elliot Anderson for a club-record £116 million. The club want another midfielder, a winger and a right-back, with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi among their targets. Potential departures could generate significant revenue: Leeds are negotiating for James Trafford at around £40 million, Tottenham are pursuing Savinho for approximately £60 million, and Jack Grealish’s future is uncertain after his Everton loan. Rodri’s contract situation is also a major concern, with Real Madrid interested and City yet to secure an extension. Several fringe players and academy prospects may leave permanently or on loan.

Enzo Maresca made a calm and composed first impression as Manchester City's new manager, showing particular warmth when discussing Jack Grealish. His close relationships with Grealish, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku illustrate his emphasis on player support and development. Having previously worked at City and succeeded at Leicester City and Chelsea, Maresca believes he is well equipped to follow Pep Guardiola and build on the club's most successful era despite the pressure of replacing a long-serving manager.

Enzo Maresca has begun his tenure as Manchester City's head coach after succeeding Pep Guardiola. In his first press conference, he said Rodri will return after surgery and rest, while confirming that Jack Grealish remains a City player and expressing his intention to coach him. Maresca praised the club's structure, emphasized an aggressive possession-based style and discussed his previous work at Chelsea and Leicester. The live coverage also examined transfer developments, including Elliot Anderson's arrival, Phil Foden's new contract and interest from Leeds United and Real Madrid in James Trafford and Rodri respectively.

Phil Foden has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester City and aims to revive his top form under new manager Enzo Maresca. After a summer break and renewed motivation, he is expected to benefit from Maresca’s style and coaching approach, which previously helped elevate his game during the Treble-winning season. With several experienced players departing and a younger squad emerging, Foden embraces a leadership role and is optimistic about the team’s balance and ability to compete for major trophies next season.

Enzo Maresca begins his first Manchester City pre‑season with key tasks including selecting a new captain after Bernardo Silva’s departure, deciding which returning players fit into his plans, managing squad size within wage constraints and preparing for early fixtures complicated by World Cup absences. The club faces leadership decisions, potential player exits, budget considerations and a staggered return of key squad members as Maresca works to stabilise the start of his tenure.