Mateo Kovacic looks set to become the latest player to leave Manchester City this summer. Two separate reports have emerged suggesting the Croatian midfielder is expected to move on before the new season begins.

Sam Lee, writing in The Athletic's weekly Transfer DealSheet, has indicated that Kovacic is considered likely to leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. No interested clubs were named in that report.

Over at Football Insider, Wayne Veysey and Evan Lloyd have gone further, reporting that City have told Kovacic he is free to find a new club. The signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest appears to have pushed the 32-year-old down the pecking order, with the midfielder now deemed surplus to requirements.

It's not exactly a shock. Given Kovacic's age and injury history, the writing has been on the wall for a while.

Still a Role if No Move Materialises

That said, if a summer move doesn't come together, Kovacic could still have a part to play. His experience could be valuable for Enzo Maresca's squad, particularly after a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup.

Kovacic missed most of last season after Achilles surgery, but his performances for Croatia in the summer suggested he still has quality. A regular starting spot looks unlikely at City, especially with another midfielder reportedly on the club's shopping list. But as a squad option, he might still offer something.

For all parties, a move probably makes sense. Kovacic would get the regular football he needs at this stage of his career, and City free up a squad place. If that doesn't happen, though, he remains a useful body in the dressing room.

Manchester City have confirmed the details of their 2026 Asia tour, with Enzo Maresca set to take charge of his first pre-season fixtures as the club's new manager. It will be the first time since 2015 that someone other than Pep Guardiola has been in the dugout for a City pre-season friendly.

The tour begins in Hong Kong on Saturday 1 August against Inter Milan, the champions of Maresca's home nation. Kick-off is at 12:30 UK time. From there, the squad travels to Seoul to face a K-League All-Stars XI on Wednesday 5 August, before a meeting with familiar opposition in Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August. Both Seoul matches kick off at 13:00 UK.

All three fixtures will be broadcast live on CITY+ in the UK and most foreign territories.

Staggered returns from international duty following the 2026 World Cup mean some players will join up later than others, adding an extra layer of complexity to Maresca's preparations.

Community Shield before the league starts

Pre-season concludes at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 16 August, where City face Premier League champions Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. City have won the Community Shield seven times, though only once in this decade.

Fringe players and academy talents will be eyeing these four games as an opportunity to force their way into Maresca's thinking before the Premier League season begins the following weekend.

Manchester City are fighting to hold onto three of their most promising Academy talents this summer, with Ryan McAidoo, Reigan Heskey and Xavier Parker all reportedly attracting attention from elsewhere.

The interest arrives during a period of change in the club's development setup, following the appointment of Oliver Reiss as Lead Coach of the Elite Development Squad. With pathways into Enzo Maresca's first team still being mapped out, the club's top young players and their representatives are said to be exploring alternatives.

The premium on homegrown British talent has never been higher, and the City Football Academy has become a prime target for clubs looking to secure elite prospects before their market value becomes prohibitive.

According to the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski, all three have received enquiries this summer. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Liverpool are believed to be leading the chase for 16-year-old forward Parker, while interest in McAidoo and Heskey is said to come from both domestic and overseas clubs.

McAidoo, an explosive 18-year-old winger, is widely regarded as one of the CFA's crown jewels. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has previously singled him out as the Academy's most exciting prospect. The teenager made his senior debut in last season's FA Cup tie against Exeter City and signed a contract extension running until 2030.

Heskey, son of former England striker Emile, has seen his stock rise sharply after scoring a late winner against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final.

Hugo Viana and Academy director Thomas Krucken are expected to respond with improved scholarship offers and clear developmental promises to fend off interest from Merseyside and abroad.

With pre-season starting on July 20, the club will want these distractions resolved quickly so the next generation can focus on breaking through under Maresca.

Manchester City are set to add another highly-regarded academy prospect to their ranks, this time prising Heaven Kilwa away from Aston Villa.

The England youth international has rejected a scholarship deal at Villa Park, making him the only player in his age group to turn down such terms and remain in the Midlands. According to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Kilwa is now expected to join City instead.

It is a significant blow to Villa's long-term development plans. The club have worked hard to establish clear pathways into Unai Emery's senior squad, but the pull of City's facilities and track record with young players proved too strong.

Kilwa is highly regarded in the industry. He has featured for England at Under-15 and Under-16 level and has already stepped up to play for Villa's Under-18s on six occasions, scoring twice.

As part of the switch, Aston Villa will receive training compensation for the teenager.

Rather than being thrown into senior action, Kilwa will most likely initially integrate into City's Under-18 squad. A rapid promotion into Oliver Reiss's new-look Elite Development Squad setup is the longer-term plan.

The returning Bernabeu boss is said to have given the nod for club president Florentino Perez to pursue the Manchester City striker as a potential replacement for the Brazilian winger, according to Catalan newspaper El Nacional.

Vinicius’ current deal expires in June 2027 and an extension has yet to be agreed. While the 25-year-old has warmed to the idea of staying since Xabi Alonso’s departure in January, his camp feel Madrid haven’t put forward a suitable financial package.

Mourinho sees Haaland as an extraordinary signing who could form a devastating attacking partnership with Kylian Mbappe, but doesn’t want to create an unbalanced attack. That means Vinicius would have to leave before any move for the Norwegian becomes a reality.

Selling Vinicius for a huge fee would help finance part of the Haaland operation, with the plan being for Haaland to operate as the main No.9 while Mbappe roams freely and the rest of the team works hard defensively to cover both.

City’s hand looks strong

City tied Haaland down to a colossal contract running until June 2034, meaning Madrid would likely have to offer a world-record sum of €250m (£213.5m) or more to even get the Premier League side to consider selling.

Recent comments from the player’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, have reportedly reignited speculation, with Madrid chiefs viewing them as a veiled hint.

“Real Madrid move? He’s very happy at Manchester City and has a long contract. We’re waiting for the new season… but anyone would want to play for Madrid. You never know what can happen in football.”

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano poured some cold water on a swift move, saying Haaland to Madrid this summer is a no, but that the striker isn’t ruling out the possibility in the future. He added that Haaland is very happy at City and is a crucial player for new coach Enzo Maresca’s project.

For now, it’s one to file under ‘watch this space’ – and it’ll likely stay that way unless a certain Brazilian winger finds himself heading for the exit.

Mateo Kovacic is reportedly among those facing an uncertain future at Manchester City this summer as the club continues to reshape its midfield options.

According to Sam Lee, the Croatia international is considered likely to leave the Etihad before the new season gets underway.

Kovacic joined City from Chelsea in 2023 on a four-year deal, a move confirmed by the club at the time. Now, with the window open and business being done, his name has emerged as one to watch.

No further details have emerged regarding potential destinations or the structure of any possible deal.

Hugo Viana and Manchester City are working on a loan deal for centre-back Max Alleyne ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, according to the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski.

The 20-year-old has already had a taste of senior football. A loan spell at Watford was cut short in January 2026 when injuries to Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol forced an emergency recall to the Etihad.

Alleyne handled the step up well. He made his Premier League debut against Brighton and scored in an FA Cup victory over Exeter City as City went on to win the trophy.

But with England international Marc Guéhi now in the building and the club's established defenders back fit, the path to regular minutes looks blocked. The club's thinking, then, is to find a more sustainable route for his development.

A number of leading Championship clubs have registered their interest. Alleyne is expected to take part in the early stages of pre-season before a temporary move is finalised before the competitive season starts.

The loan management team will be vetting potential destinations carefully. The priority is finding a club that plays in a style compatible with Enzo Maresca's methods, allowing Alleyne to keep refining his ball-playing game at senior level.

Whether that means a return to the Championship or a move elsewhere, the non-negotiable is guaranteed starts. Regular game time is the point of the exercise.

The first genuine images of Manchester City's 2026/27 away shirt have surfaced online, offering a proper look at Puma's latest effort for the club.

According to Footy Headlines, the leaked photos show a predominantly black strip with a subtle embossed worker bee pattern running across the front — a direct nod to Manchester's long-standing city symbol.

It follows the release of the home shirt, which featured a sky blue gradient fading to white. Now Puma has turned its attention to the secondary kit, drawing on Manchester's cultural heritage for the design.

The colour palette and modern techniques are intended to give the shirt lifestyle crossover appeal, making it as suitable for streetwear as it is for matchdays. It's a strategy that has worked well for both Puma and City's commercial operation through previous releases, keeping the club among the top sellers in global football merchandise.

Fans shouldn't have to wait long to see the kit in action. The bulk of the squad is due back for pre-season training from July 20, with the exception of those still involved in the latter stages of the World Cup. The official retail launch is tracking for late July.

That timing would allow the new strip to feature prominently during City's three-match pre-season tour of Asia, where they face Inter Milan, a K-League All Stars XI, and Atletico Madrid.

Last season was a difficult one for Lewis. He managed just 22 appearances across all competitions, averaging a little over 50 minutes per game. Most of those came in cup competitions, with Matheus Nunes firmly established as first-choice at right-back.

That lack of game time cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the ongoing World Cup. It has also sparked talk of a move away from East Manchester.

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Everton have identified Lewis as a target to strengthen their right-back options this summer.

But prising him away from City won't come cheap. Despite being on the fringes of the first-team picture, the club are expected to hold out for a fee north of £35 million. City are not actively pushing the academy graduate out, but they won't stand in his way if a suitable offer arrives and he asks to leave.

Lewis's name has already come up in talks with Nottingham Forest regarding Elliot Anderson. Forest are believed to retain interest after a failed approach last summer.

City themselves are in the market for a right-back. Chelsea's Malo Gusto, a personal favourite of Enzo Maresca, and Feyenoord's Givairo Read have both been linked.

Matty Warhurst looks to be on his way out of Manchester City this summer. The 19-year-old striker, who has scored 61 goals in 97 games for the club's academy sides, is attracting attention from a host of EFL clubs.

According to MailSport's Simon Jones, Warhurst is in the final year of his contract and is now looking to make the step up to senior football. Stockport County, Swindon Town, Cambridge United, Northampton Town and Burton Albion have all made their interest known.

The timing makes sense. With Erling Haaland leading the line and the record £116 million purchase of Elliot Anderson now completed, the path to first-team minutes for a young striker at the Etihad has become increasingly narrow. New manager Enzo Maresca's plans for versatile forwards only add to the logjam.

Sell-on clause expected

City's sporting director Hugo Viana is expected to include a sell-on clause in any deal. The club still rate Warhurst highly but recognise the difficulty in offering him a clear route to the first team.

Pre-season training begins on July 20. The club's hierarchy will be looking to finalise an agreement in the coming weeks to allow for a smooth transition for both the player and the EDS squad.

Jack Grealish might not be leaving Manchester City after all. The 30-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Everton, looked destined for a permanent exit this summer. Injuries disrupted his campaign on Merseyside, and the club's attacking depth suggested his time at the Etihad was up.

But things have changed.

TEAMtalk reports that new City boss Enzo Maresca wants to assess Grealish personally during pre-season before making a final call. Rather than pushing through a low-value sale, Maresca is prepared to give him a genuine shot at winning back his place.

Manager knows him well

Grealish is expected to return to City after recovering from the foot injury that ended his Everton loan spell early. Maresca knows him from his previous stint on Pep Guardiola's coaching staff, which adds weight to the idea that this is more than just a courtesy look.

Grealish's best form at City came when he was trusted in a structured system, particularly during the treble-winning 2022/23 campaign. Guardiola has since departed, Maresca has arrived, and the squad is being reshaped.

The question is whether Grealish still has the sharpness and confidence to contribute regularly.

What Grealish still offers

Maresca is right to pause before selling. Grealish's value is probably lower now than it was two years ago, so rushing him out would make little sense. A strong pre-season could change everything.

He may not be the quickest winger in the squad, but he brings control, ball retention and experience in big matches — the kind of calmness that can slow games down when City need to manage a lead. That still has value across a long season.

This has to be a real opportunity, though, not a polite farewell. If Maresca sees a clear role, Grealish should stay. If he is only going to sit on the bench, both parties should accept that a clean exit is best.

Jeremy Doku will be lining up against a familiar face in the World Cup quarter-finals after Belgium dismantled co-hosts United States in Seattle.

Charles De Ketelaere did most of the damage with a brace inside the opening half-hour, first tapping home a ninth-minute cross from Nicolas Raskin before nodding in his second just two minutes after the USA had briefly levelled through a heavily deflected Malik Tillman free-kick.

The American defence unravelled in the second half. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made a disastrous error that allowed Hans Vanaken to score from distance, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a clinical tight-angle finish deep into stoppage time to round off a 4-1 win.

The result eliminates the last remaining co-host from the tournament following Mexico and Canada's exits earlier in the week. It also sets up a mouth-watering last-eight meeting between Belgium and Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.

Doku had a relatively quiet night by his standards — 27 minutes on the pitch, 20 touches, eight accurate passes and two successful dribbles — but he was fouled three times, suggesting the American defenders found him hard to handle even when he wasn't at his electric best.

City fans will now have to decide which side of the divide they fall on when Rodri's Spain take on Doku's Belgium later this week.

City will face Mansfield Town, Chesterfield and Port Vale in Northern Group D. The draw gives the academy side three senior opponents and a proper gauge of where they stand against experienced professionals.

A different kind of test

The competition again includes invited under-21 sides from elite academies alongside League One and League Two clubs, the EFL has confirmed. That structure exists to give development teams exposure to senior football rather than age-group peers.

For City, that changes the value of every minute played.

A possession-heavy academy side can look polished in Premier League 2. The EFL Trophy asks different questions: second balls, set-pieces, direct running and opponents who will not let the game stay tidy.

Mansfield confirmed City's Under-21s had joined the group, while Port Vale stated the group stage will begin in early September. The Round of 32 is scheduled for the week commencing 7 December.

Academy pathway under scrutiny

City are resetting the first-team picture under Enzo Maresca. At the same time, the academy pathway is facing a harder question. The issue is not only whether players can dominate youth football but whether they can handle senior tempo, physical pressure and difficult away environments.

The competition offers consequence, discomfort and resistance. For Maresca and the academy staff, Mansfield, Chesterfield and Port Vale should provide a clearer view of which players are ready for the next step.

Erling Haaland has made this World Cup something more than a personal goal spree for Manchester City. His late double against Brazil sent Norway into the quarter-finals for the first time, and now England stand between him and a semi-final spot. For Enzo Maresca, that means watching from both sides of the same problem.

Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil was the headline. Haaland scored twice, taking his tournament tally to seven, and admitted afterwards he could not quite believe the run. City’s official match report confirmed the details: a first World Cup quarter-final for Norway, built around their main man.

England got there via a 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca, where Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty. The England squad includes Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson and James Trafford — all City-linked players spread across defence, midfield and goalkeeping depth. Guehi, O’Reilly and Anderson started against Mexico; Trafford was on the bench.

This is not a pre-season friendly. It is a World Cup tie in Miami with a semi-final place at stake.

One group of City players will go out this weekend. Another will move deeper into the tournament. Maresca will welcome the quality of the experience. He will not welcome the shrinking recovery window.

Haaland’s role for Norway carries more than minutes. He is their main forward, Golden Boot contender and national reference point. The emotional load is real. England’s City group brings a different challenge: O’Reilly’s tournament has been a useful development step, Guehi’s defensive responsibility has grown, Anderson is still moving through a City transition while playing in England’s midfield, and Trafford remains part of the same international environment.

Maresca cannot treat every return the same way. City will need individual plans once the tournament ends for each player.

A Norway win sends Haaland deeper into history and brings England’s City group back earlier. An England win returns Haaland sooner but pushes several City players toward the final week. Either outcome helps one part of the squad and complicates another. That is why this tie matters beyond the result. City are watching form, resilience, fatigue and return dates all at once.