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Manchester City will stage something of a transfer market showcase on Tuesday, with as many as 25 players from the club’s loan and sell list expected to feature. According to journalist Alan Nixon, the club have invited multiple clubs to attend the fixture, with interest anticipated from both the EFL Championship and sides across Europe.
The game offers a chance for some of City’s more prominent academy figures to impress potential suitors, with players available for either loan or permanent moves.
Who’s involved
Divine Mukasa, who made six senior appearances for City before spending the second half of last season on loan at Leicester — Enzo Maresca’s former club — is set to feature. The Heskey brothers, Jaden and Reigan, sons of former England striker Emile, will also be involved, alongside Max Alleyne, who was recalled early from a loan at Watford during a defensive injury crisis.
Spike Brits, Charlie Gray and Issa Kabore are also expected to take part. There has been no word, however, on whether Jack Grealish or Kalvin Phillips will feature, despite the pair being spotted training together on social media. Both are returning from loan spells — Grealish at Everton, Phillips at Sheffield United — and between them hold 70 England caps. Maresca may yet keep them around for additional squad depth.
Squad rebuilding
The summer has already seen significant change at the Etihad. Club legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva departed upon the expiry of their contracts, while Nathan Ake joined Fenerbahce. City have also broken their transfer record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, with Jeremy Monga arriving from Leicester for £10 million plus add-ons.
Pep Guardiola’s preference for a smaller squad is well documented, but Maresca — though he shares similar tactical principles — wants more bodies available. City’s pre-season tour begins shortly, with a trip to Asia that includes a meeting with Inter Milan in Hong Kong, a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final, followed by a game against the K-League All-Stars in Seoul.