Man City plan midfield and defensive moves as Maresca era begins
City Football Group are tracking Mexico midfielder Erik Lira after his World Cup. A move to Troyes is viewed as likeliest, with Betis, Ajax and Feyenoord also keen.
Arsenal’s 16-year-old midfielder Mishel Nduka is set to join Man City after impressing at youth level, adding to City’s academy intake.
Profile of Maresca’s journey from Milan ballboy to Sevilla star and Juventus protégé, shaping his tactics and leadership as he succeeds Guardiola at City, aiming to set a new precedent at the Etihad.
Report claims Rodri would welcome leaving Man City for Real Madrid, but Madrid have ruled out a move due to age, injury concerns and fit with Tchouameni.
Nine clubs, including Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool, have approached Man City talent Xavier Parker, 16, who is yet to commit to a pro deal.
Max Alleyne is set for a 2026-27 loan, with Championship clubs keen. He will join City pre-season and could tour Asia before securing a move to gain minutes after last season’s Watford stint and City recall.
Omar Marmoush’s role at Man City is uncertain after an inconsistent 2025-26, injuries and AFCON. Linked with a summer exit, he has 16 goals and 6 assists in 61 games.
Marc Guehi says Haaland will be ‘up for it’ as England face Norway. Plan is to deny service and space to City’s record scorer, with Rice and Anderson key to shielding. Guehi relishes the challenge.
Man City are monitoring free agent Ørjan Nyland, 35, amid James Trafford uncertainty. Norway’s World Cup form appeals, with Leeds and others also interested.
City’s Omar Marmoush sees Egypt exit 3-2 to Argentina after a late comeback. He played 17 minutes as Messi, Romero and Fernández overturned a 0-2 deficit to reach the quarter-finals.
No talks yet between Man City and Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez. Any move will be addressed after the World Cup, with City eyeing further midfield reinforcements.
Free agent John Stones, 32, is attracting Juventus after leaving Man City. Wage demands are key, with decisions delayed until after England’s World Cup run.
Mateo Kovacic is considered likely to leave City, with reports saying he can find a new club after Elliot Anderson’s arrival. Age and injuries count against him, though he could stay as depth for Maresca.
Nathan Aké’s €7m move from Man City to Fenerbahçe triggers Feyenoord solidarity payments of about €100k, with bonuses potentially increasing the sum.
City’s Asia tour opens Maresca’s reign: Inter in Hong Kong on 1 Aug, K-League All-Stars on 5 Aug, Atletico on 9 Aug, all on CITY+. Community Shield vs Arsenal at Cardiff on 16 Aug follows.
