Simon Bajkowski

Manchester Evening News writers predict Manchester City will finish second behind Arsenal in the 2026/27 Premier League, citing the club’s quality but also significant squad turnover and the challenge of building under new head coach Enzo Maresca. They expect City to reach at least the Champions League quarter-finals, with one contributor forecasting a semi-final appearance, and believe the club is likely to win at least one domestic trophy, especially the Carabao Cup. Jeremy Doku, Ryan McAidoo and Antoine Semenyo are highlighted as players to watch, while predictions include Erling Haaland scoring 40–50 goals, City winning their first five league matches and Rayan Cherki breaking the Premier League assist record.

Manchester City is beginning a new era under manager Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola's departure and the exits of several senior players, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. The club has retained key players, added Elliot Anderson and will continue to rely on Erling Haaland as it competes in four competitions. The Manchester Evening News is promoting weekly Talking City podcast episodes featuring analysis, reaction, behind-the-scenes coverage and debate throughout the 2026/27 season, with episodes available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Manchester Evening News chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski outlines expanded Premium coverage for the 2026–27 season under new manager Enzo Maresca. For £4.99 a month, subscribers will receive multiple original articles each week, deeper analysis, academy reporting, interviews, fan-focused coverage and fewer standard display advertisements, while some City content and the Talking City podcast will remain free.

Manchester City are facing a major midfield rebuild after agreeing to sell Rodri to Barcelona for £65.4 million, with the midfielder travelling to Spain for his medical and describing the move as a dream. City are advancing talks with Lille for teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi while maintaining interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. Tijjani Reijnders is also set to leave for Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah in a deal worth about £52 million. The club may need further reinforcements after a 3–0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, with winger departures involving Savinho and uncertainty over Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush adding to the transfer workload. Pep Guardiola has meanwhile suggested that returning to management after leaving City may be difficult.

An upcoming eight-part Prime Video documentary, A Beautiful Obsession, examines Manchester City’s decline after four consecutive Premier League titles and its subsequent attempt to recover. It includes candid footage of a confrontation between Pep Guardiola and Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional reaction to learning his contract would not be renewed, recruitment discussions surrounding Rayan Cherki, and the impact of Guardiola’s divorce on his management. The series also depicts Guardiola angrily threatening players after a poor Leverkusen performance and suggests he may take an extended break from football to focus on his personal life.

Pep Guardiola has cast doubt on whether he will return to football management after taking a break following ten years at Manchester City. In an interview for Amazon’s documentary A Beautiful Obsession, Guardiola said he does not know what he will do next and feels returning to management would be difficult, citing a need to refresh his personal and professional life. He turned down an opportunity to coach Italy this summer. Manchester City has appointed former Guardiola assistant Enzo Maresca, with Guardiola meeting him in Barcelona and briefing him on the squad.

Rodri is set to leave Manchester City for Barcelona after the clubs agreed a package worth up to £65.4 million. City had hoped the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder would renew his contract, but his refusal to commit with one year remaining led to the sale. The move ends a seven-year spell in Manchester that included recovery from a serious knee injury and a return to form with Spain. City are pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement and retain interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, while Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said the club must complete new signings as soon as possible, with the Premier League season approaching. His transfer plans remain unchanged after City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, but the loss exposed squad weaknesses intensified by the expected departures of Savinho, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri. City are negotiating for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and expect to make further moves before the transfer window closes.

Manchester City suffered a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff, with poor defending, an ineffective midfield and limited attacking threat exposing weaknesses in Enzo Maresca’s side. Arsenal’s goals came from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, while Gabriel’s committed defending symbolized the champions’ hunger and intensity. City’s rustiness after several players returned recently offers some mitigation, but the performance highlights the need for greater fight from the existing squad and further recruitment before the transfer window closes.

Manchester City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield as Enzo Maresca's tenure began with a heavy defeat. Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard scored, while City struggled defensively and failed to create enough attacking threat. Five City players received 4/10 ratings, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic. Jack Grealish made an unexpected second-half return and was one of the stronger performers, but City must improve before facing Bournemouth.

Manchester City plan to keep 18-year-old Ryan McAidoo with Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad this season after he impressed during pre-season. McAidoo, who previously spent time in Chelsea’s academy, stood out in City’s youth setup last season, scored on his senior debut against Exeter, and attracted loan and permanent interest from other clubs. Maresca believes remaining around the first team will best support his development and stresses that McAidoo must continue working hard and learning from senior players.

Manchester City are facing a potentially busy end to the transfer window, with major spending on players such as Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi potentially offset by more than £200 million in sales. Rodri could leave for Barcelona, Jack Grealish is expected to move on—possibly to Everton—and Savinho appears increasingly close to departing, although City intend to seek a replacement. Pedro Neto is among the possible targets, while the club’s preparations under Enzo Maresca are generating excitement alongside fan uncertainty following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Manchester City are facing a busy transfer period, with Tijjani Reijnders close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah for about £52 million and Rodri attracting renewed interest from Barcelona, whose bids remain below City's £70 million valuation. Enzo Fernández remains a potential target, although Chelsea reportedly set a deadline and significant conditions for any sale. City confirmed Finley Burns' permanent move to Wigan Athletic and season-long loans for Lakyle Samuel to Exeter City and Max Alleyne to Burnley. Manager Enzo Maresca said further arrivals are possible while discussing Rodri's return, Savinho's illness and plans for new signing Elliot Anderson. The club has also secured new contracts for Doku, Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Joško Gvardiol.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca said the club may still strengthen its squad but declined to discuss Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, despite reports of a transfer deadline. Tijjani Reijnders is close to joining Saudi club Al Qadsiah for around £52 million, while Rodri's future remains unresolved amid Barcelona interest. Maresca confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and that Ryan McAidoo is the only significant injury concern, with Savinho absent from training through illness. City are preparing for Maresca's first competitive match in charge, the Community Shield against Arsenal, while also seeking midfield replacements and monitoring potential departures.

Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is preparing to compete on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and says producers have already been told he will not wear red, avoiding the colours associated with rivals Manchester United and his father’s club, Arsenal. He is nervous but eager to learn, drawing on his football work ethic. Wright-Phillips also praised new City manager Enzo Maresca for giving wingers greater attacking freedom and backed young players including Ryan McAidoo and Jeremy Monga. He believes Maresca can establish his own identity at City rather than trying to replicate Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and defender Rico Lewis spoke ahead of the club’s pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Seoul. Lewis praised Maresca’s clarity and described Rodri as an outstanding player, while acknowledging that transfers are part of football. Maresca said the entire squad had been given a reset and that pre-season performances would influence transfer decisions. He explained that James Trafford left in search of more playing time, praised the squad’s willingness to adapt to new tactical ideas, and said managing City was a privilege despite the pressure to win titles. Barcelona’s interest in Rodri was also noted, with City reportedly rejecting an initial bid and seeking at least £60 million.

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca will appoint the club’s next leadership group rather than allowing players to vote. Ruben Dias is expected to succeed Bernardo Silva as captain, while Maresca wants at least one English player among the other leaders. Phil Foden, now the longest-serving first-team player, has expressed a desire to assume greater responsibility, with Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol and others also potential candidates. The group may need further changes if Rodri leaves for Barcelona.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says every player has a clean slate following Pep Guardiola's departure, with preseason performances helping determine the squad and transfer decisions. Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are reportedly expecting to stay, while Divine Mukasa and several other players have struggled to get minutes because of the squad's size. City beat the K-League All Stars 3–1 in Seoul and will face Atletico before returning to England for the Community Shield against Arsenal and their opening Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Manchester City are trying to keep Rodri but would allow him to leave if he wants to depart during the final year of his contract. Barcelona, now the leading suitor, have had a bid of about £40 million rejected, while City want more than £60 million. Rico Lewis said Rodri’s potential exit would not change the club’s direction under Enzo Maresca. City are also pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and could need to recruit as many as three midfielders if Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders leave.

Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri and are demanding more than £60 million for the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, who has declined to extend his contract and wants a new challenge. Barcelona is considered the frontrunner after Real Madrid revised its plans, but City expect a substantially improved bid. The club is also preparing for possible departures by pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi and other midfield replacements, having already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116 million. Tijjani Reijnders could also leave, which would require City to recruit additional midfielders.

Manchester City will reportedly demand at least £60 million to sell Rodri to Barcelona this summer. The midfielder, who is entering the final year of his contract and wants a move to Camp Nou, has seen his value rise after being named the World Cup’s best player and winning the tournament with Spain. City are prepared to accept his departure rather than keep an unhappy player, but only for a fee they can reinvest in the squad. Barcelona are seeking to complete the deal before Rodri returns for pre-season, while City also plan to replace other departing midfielders and senior players.

Manchester City plan to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of departures, alongside record signing Elliot Anderson. If Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders leave, the club would add two more midfielders, while also seeking a replacement if Savinho joins Tottenham. Bernardo Silva has already moved to Real Madrid, and Rodri’s unresolved contract situation is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez are expected to stay, with the club backing manager Enzo Maresca through an extensive squad rebuild.

Nico Gonzalez has said he wants to remain at Manchester City despite inconsistent playing time, following Mateo Kovacic in committing his future to the club. City are progressing with a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of departures, while Tijjani Reijnders could leave amid interest from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Galatasaray. The club would replace Reijnders, Rodri or other outgoing players, is considering Geronimo Rulli as a backup goalkeeper, has shelved plans for a specialist right-back, and expects Vitor Reis to provide cover there. Jeremy Doku has also agreed a new contract running to at least 2031.

Jeremy Monga says choosing Manchester City over Arsenal was a “no-brainer” because he sees himself fitting better at City and values its success and development pathway. The 16-year-old winger joined from Leicester for £10 million after making Premier League and Championship appearances, and he credits Leicester for his early development. City has made no guarantees about his immediate first-team future, but Monga hopes to impress during the preseason tour and earn opportunities, potentially in League Cup matches. He is being guided by manager Enzo Maresca and senior player Antoine Semenyo while emphasizing discipline, humility and hard work.

Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana has joined the squad on its Asia tour as the club faces a busy final month of the transfer window. Progress on major deals has slowed, although Geronimo Rulli is expected to arrive as a replacement for James Trafford and City remain interested in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Tottenham are expected to pursue Savinho, while Omar Marmoush, Malo Gusto, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez are potential City targets. Real Madrid’s reported interest in Rodri has not developed, leaving City’s transfer plans unresolved before the squad returns to Manchester.

Manchester City will send several senior players to BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen during the club’s Asian pre-season tour to film promotional content. BYD became City’s official automotive partner in February 2026, with branding across the men’s and women’s teams and at the Etihad Stadium. The visit highlights the commercial importance of the partnership, which former football executive Christian Purslow described as a major coup because of BYD’s rapid growth and position in the electric-vehicle market. Club officials are also expected to attend Shenzhen Peng City’s match, although the visiting players will not participate.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca declined to guarantee that Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish will remain at the club. Kovacic, who has one year left on his contract and missed much of last season through injury, started the 1-1 pre-season draw with Inter Milan in Hong Kong. Grealish remains injured and was absent from the touring squad, with a loan or permanent move still expected. Maresca said both players would work with the team if they remain at City and are fit.

Manchester City are evaluating whether 18-year-old winger Ryan McAidoo should remain with the first team or leave on loan after an impressive performance against Inter in pre-season. Manager Enzo Maresca praised McAidoo’s aggressive one-on-one style and decision-making, but said the club must choose the right development path. City are also considering changes to their wide-player options, including the possibility of Savinho moving to Tottenham.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca addressed the media in Hong Kong ahead of the club's first pre-season match against Inter. He said reports about Rodri's future were speculation, confirmed that the midfielder was recovering from surgery and emphasized his importance to City. Maresca explained that Erling Haaland and other players were still resting after the World Cup, while Rúben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Omar Marmoush were expected to arrive too late to play. He said Phil Foden's happiness and form would be central to helping City win matches and titles. Maresca also outlined his intention to introduce his own ideas rather than replicate Pep Guardiola, and said the pre-season match would be used to assess fitness and new tactical concepts. He described himself as satisfied with the current squad while leaving open the possibility of further transfer activity.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says Rodri remains central to the club’s plans despite reported interest from Real Madrid. Rodri, whose contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, recently underwent back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester after a holiday. Maresca described the proposed move to Real Madrid as speculation, while City retains the ability to reject any offer.

Enzo Maresca says Manchester City expect to make further signings this transfer window after bringing in Elliot Anderson for a club-record £116 million. The club is targeting a midfielder, right-back and forward, while negotiating with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi and considering Geronimo Rulli as a replacement backup goalkeeper after James Trafford’s move to Leeds United. Sporting director Hugo Viana is involved in the plans, and several senior players are due to join the squad during its Asian pre-season tour.

Manchester City have launched their 2026/27 away kit at a floating-pitch event in Hong Kong. The black strip features yellow detailing inspired by Manchester's worker bee, a symbol whose use was endorsed by Manchester City Council. Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ryan McAidoo helped unveil the kit, which City will first wear against Inter Milan on August 1 before further pre-season matches in South Korea. The article also notes PUMA's extended partnership with the club and the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson.

Manchester City has significantly expanded its Asian fanbase through sustained commercial investment, local offices, trophy tours, digital content, culturally tailored social-media engagement, major tours and partnerships. The club’s on-field success under Pep Guardiola, global stars such as Erling Haaland, and memorable publicity—including Sergio Agüero’s selfie with David Cameron and Xi Jinping—have accelerated its visibility. South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China are highlighted as important markets, with the 2023 Japan and Korea tour generating £16 million. Industry rankings placed City ahead of Manchester United and Barcelona for digital performance and fan engagement in Asia, while Haaland’s popularity on Chinese platforms demonstrates the value of individual stars alongside the club’s broader, long-term engagement strategy.

Manchester City may have to accept that Rodri will not renew his contract, with Real Madrid increasingly interested as his deal runs down. The club’s established policy allows players to leave only when an acceptable bid is received, and the article argues that Real’s reported €50 million figure falls well below City’s private valuation. Past cases involving Leroy Sané, Bernardo Silva and Eric García suggest City will retain Rodri or sell him strictly on its terms, while CEO Ferran Soriano is expected to approach the decision through financial calculation rather than emotion.

Manchester City are continuing negotiations with Lille for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is valued at around £85 million after impressing for Morocco at the World Cup. The club has distanced itself from a move for Enzo Fernández but remains alert to Real Madrid’s potential interest in Rodri. Savinho’s possible transfer to Tottenham has gained momentum, while Jack Grealish’s potential return to City appears increasingly unlikely after he was omitted from the touring squad. City also need a reserve goalkeeper following James Trafford’s expected move to Leeds, and Kalvin Phillips is set for another loan spell with Sheffield United.

Manchester City have added French goalkeeper Max Chabot to their Asian tour squad as an international trialist after a late change to their goalkeeping plans. Oliver Whatmuff, initially expected to provide cover, has returned to Stockport County after Andy Wogan suffered an injury that will keep him out for several weeks. Chabot will train with Enzo Maresca's first team while his move from Angers is completed, joining Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marcus Bettinelli and Jack Wint in the touring group.

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 joining City from Leeds United for £42 million in 2022, making only two Premier League starts and featuring just once last season. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder wants him back after a previous loan spell, with the move expected to be completed in the coming days as Phillips seeks regular football and a career revival.

Enzo Maresca has adopted a people-focused approach at Manchester City, contacting Phil Foden after his England omission and supporting Jeremy Doku amid criticism in Belgium, echoing Pep Guardiola’s early outreach to Raheem Sterling. However, Maresca appears likely to take a quieter public role than Guardiola, avoiding extended discussion of Manchester City’s outstanding Premier League charges, transfer plans and tactical preferences. His priority is expected to be strengthening relationships with players rather than acting as a prominent public spokesperson for the club.

Enzo Maresca’s first press conference as Manchester City manager presented him as punctual, composed and enthusiastic about succeeding Pep Guardiola. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge while describing the appointment as a privilege, defended the playing style and achievements associated with his Leicester and Chelsea tenure, and showed a more personal approach by discussing Jack Grealish and Rodri. Rodri’s unresolved contract situation and reported interest from Real Madrid remain significant issues as City prepare for their preseason tour.

Enzo Maresca has begun his tenure as Manchester City's head coach with a confident first press conference, praising the club's structure and identifying continuity with Pep Guardiola's methods. He said Rodri will return after surgery and a post-World Cup holiday, while confirming that Jack Grealish and James Trafford remain City players for now. The press conference also comes amid transfer developments including Elliot Anderson's £116 million arrival, Phil Foden's new contract and reported interest in Trafford from Leeds and Rodri from Real Madrid.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out Jack Grealish’s future at the club, saying it is his duty to coach players under contract. Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton, is rehabilitating at City’s training ground after an injury ended his campaign. Although City previously indicated that he was not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans and omitted him from the Club World Cup squad, Maresca’s positive relationship with Grealish offers some hope that he could receive another opportunity before a decision is made on his next club.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says the club wants to keep Rodri despite reports that the midfielder could join Real Madrid and uncertainty over unsigned contract offers with less than a year remaining. Rodri, who recently captained Spain to the World Cup and was named the tournament's best player, is due to undergo minor back surgery and may miss the start of the season. Maresca expects him to rest, recover and return to Manchester City.

Chelsea’s decision to meet Aston Villa’s valuation for Morgan Rogers has reduced the pressure on Manchester City’s record signing Elliot Anderson while also depriving Arsenal of a key transfer target. The move disrupts Arsenal’s preparation for defending their Premier League title, benefitting City as they adjust to life after Pep Guardiola and a fragmented pre‑season. Enzo Maresca enters the campaign hoping to stabilise early on, with Chelsea’s intervention easing pressure on City and forcing Arsenal to rethink their transfer strategy.

Manchester City clarified that facial recognition and mandatory ID verification will not be introduced for season ticket holders after some supporters were mistakenly asked to upload identification due to a system error. The club, which has expanded season ticket capacity with new Flexi Tickets, said verification measures apply only to members purchasing individual match tickets as part of efforts to reduce touting and account misuse. More than 2,500 accounts were suspended last season for breaches, prompting increased scrutiny, though voluntary verification remains optional. Adjustments to the ticket transfer system aim to ease fan frustrations experienced last year.

Jack Grealish returned to individual training at Manchester City as he recovers from the injury that cut short his loan spell at Everton, expressing optimism that he is close to full fitness. New head coach Enzo Maresca must soon decide whether to include him in the upcoming preseason tour, a choice likely to signal Grealish’s future at the club as he enters the final year of his contract. His participation may depend on whether his rehabilitation progresses in time for the trip.

Enzo Maresca begins work as Manchester City’s new manager ahead of his upcoming unveiling and first press conference. Players not involved in the World Cup have returned to training as preparations start for preseason matches in Asia. City expect transfer activity to accelerate now that the World Cup has concluded, with Elliot Anderson the only major signing so far.

Manchester City are expected to accelerate their transfer activity following a quiet start to the summer, slowed by the lengthy World Cup. Sporting director Hugo Viana is set for a busy period as the club rushes to complete incoming and outgoing deals before the season begins. Contract extensions for Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden are close, while Rodri’s situation remains a priority with less than a year on his deal. New manager Enzo Maresca faces the challenge of preparing a squad missing key players ahead of a pre-season tour in Asia. Developments are expected to intensify as the club works to finalize its squad for the upcoming campaign.

Enzo Maresca begins pre-season at Manchester City with key tasks that include selecting a new captain, assessing which returning players fit his plans, determining the optimal squad size within wage constraints, and creating a short-term strategy to manage the early season while World Cup participants return gradually. The club faces leadership gaps, uncertain player futures and logistical challenges from a disrupted summer as Maresca aims to maintain competitiveness across competitions.