James Trafford's time at Manchester City appears to be drawing to a close, with the goalkeeper having completed his medical ahead of a permanent move to Leeds United.

According to The Athletic's Beren Cross, the 23-year-old began his medical on Monday and concluded it with Elland Road staff over the course of the week. The transfer is now reportedly close to being finalised.

It has previously been reported by The Athletic that the deal will be worth a guaranteed £40 million to City, plus add-ons.

Trafford, a City Academy graduate, joined under Pep Guardiola last summer thanks to a buy-back clause in his Burnley agreement. But with City also moving to sign Paris Saint-Germain and Italy No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma later in the same transfer window, he quickly found himself as the club's designated second-choice goalkeeper.

His first — and perhaps only — season at the Etihad was a mixed one. He endured a mixture of emotions, but there were highlights: runs to both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals, against Chelsea and Arsenal respectively, where he recorded numerous clean sheets at Wembley and finished with both trophies.

Now he has agreed to step away from City on a permanent basis, joining Leeds in what is described as a record-breaking move for the Whites.

For a player who never truly got a look-in as City's No.1, the £40 million guaranteed fee represents a significant return. Trafford, presumably, will be relieved to be heading somewhere he can actually play.

Jamie Carragher has waded into the title debate with a prediction that will have Arsenal supporters reaching for the mute button: Manchester City, he insists, go straight back to the top under Enzo Maresca.

The logic is straightforward enough. City finished second last season while operating below their own exacting standards, and have since backed the new manager with serious money. Elliot Anderson has arrived to give the midfield a different pulse, and Maresca walks into a dressing room that still contains Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. This is not a rebuild. It is a refresh.

The Pep question

Carragher is not blind to the obvious objection. Pep Guardiola has gone, and ten years of one manager leaves a particular kind of void. But he frames it differently.

“When you’ve had the same manager for ten years, the flip side of what people will say is that it’s hard to come after him. Just something a little bit new, a little bit fresh.”

Freshness, in other words, cuts both ways. Maresca knows the club, inherits an exceptional squad, and might benefit from the novelty of his own ideas after a decade of Guardiola's.

The Rodri caveat

There is one scenario that changes everything. Carragher was blunt about it: if Rodri went to Real Madrid, the prediction goes out the window.

“I think if Rodri left for Real Madrid then I wouldn’t be saying that.”

He also questioned the logic of even entertaining offers in the region of £40m for a player he considers the best in his position.

“If you’re City, what’s the point in selling Rodri? What’s the point? Just get another year out of him and let him go for free. He’s the best in his position. What’s £40m for City?”

talkSPORT's own reporting backs that view, suggesting City's title hopes would be seriously weakened if the Spain international departed. Barcelona's lingering interest only adds another layer of complication, potentially dragging negotiations into a bidding war nobody at the Etihad wants.

Arsenal still edge it on paper

None of this dismisses Arsenal. They enter the season as defending champions, have strengthened an already formidable squad, and remain slight favourites on the strength of continuity and defensive solidity. Carragher's own reasoning acknowledges they were close last year — close enough that the gap feels bridgeable.

His prediction, for all the noise it will generate, is a reasonable one. If Rodri stays fit and committed, City have the quality to reclaim the title. Without him, Arsenal's chances of retaining it increase significantly.

What's £40m, indeed.

Lille have already started planning for the departure of Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Real Madrid's Jorge Cestero emerging as their preferred replacement for the midfielder expected to join City.

Bouaddi's move to the Etihad has been one of the summer's defining sagas. City have spent weeks trying to structure a deal that suits all parties, and the 18-year-old is understood to have agreed personal terms. What remains is the finer detail: Lille want to keep him on loan for the 2026-27 season, and that has complicated negotiations.

Yet the club's recruitment team has not been idle. According to Matteo Moretto, they have identified Cestero, a Castilla prospect who has impressed in Real Madrid's reserve setup and attracted attention from across Europe. His profile — age, technical quality, developmental ceiling — is seen as a close match for what Bouaddi offered.

That Lille are actively scouting successors suggests they have accepted the direction of travel, even if president Olivier Létang's public statements suggest a tougher negotiating stance. It is a matter of when, not if.

For City, Bouaddi remains the most significant piece of business still on the table. The club have already broken their transfer record to land Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, with Geronimo Rulli expected to follow from Marseille. James Trafford is close to joining Leeds, and Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a target for Forest in a deal worth around £60 million.

Rodri's future is also developing, with Real Madrid understood to have an agreement with the player and club-to-club talks ongoing. The Spain international is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad, and Barcelona are exploring a deal as well.

City were expected to have completed more business by now, but fringe-player departures are likely to accelerate in the coming weeks. That could free up the space — and the funds — to finally bring Bouaddi through the door.

Barcelona have made no secret of their ambition this summer. The latest target on their list is Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, and the Catalan club's interest is described as serious.

The Spain captain fits the profile Hansi Flick wants. His game is built on the sort of possession-based control Flick favours, and the relationships he already has with several international teammates would help him settle quickly. Barcelona need a specialist who can shield the back line, giving Pedri the freedom to operate higher up the pitch.

On paper, it is easy to see the appeal. Rodri would bring elite positional awareness and controlled distribution, plus genuine protection against counterattacks. His experience would also steady a young squad that expects to compete for every major honour. As a tactical fit, he would improve Barcelona's balance immediately.

The complications are financial, not footballing

But this is Barcelona, and nothing is ever straightforward. Their window has already required significant spending, and another blockbuster deal would put fresh strain on the club's finances. City, for their part, are unlikely to make negotiations easy.

According to The Athletic, Barcelona have spoken with Rodri's representatives to understand what a transfer would involve. The 30-year-old is reportedly drawn to the project, particularly the style of play and the dressing-room environment. Whether that translates into a formal approach is another matter.

Real Madrid remain involved and still represent genuine competition for his signature. Their presence could start an auction, strengthen City's negotiating position, and force Barcelona to move sooner than they would like.

There is also the small matter of what City have already spent. Sky Sports reported that Anthony Gordon arrived from Newcastle in a package worth €80 million including add-ons. That attacking investment makes the pursuit more difficult, especially if City demand another major fee for their midfield anchor.

A decision that could shape the rest of their window

The player's preference will be decisive. If Madrid are clearly his first choice, Barcelona would be wise to avoid letting the saga drag on and delay other business.

The risks are obvious: his age, his salary, and the cost of the transfer. Barcelona should stay involved, but they must not let a Clasico rivalry push them beyond a sensible financial limit.

Rodri would be an outstanding addition. The question is whether Barcelona can afford to make it happen.

Well, this is getting interesting. Rodri's future was already the talk of the summer, with Real Madrid lurking in the background. Now Barcelona have waded in, and suddenly the picture looks a whole lot more complicated.

According to The Athletic's Pol Ballus and Mario Cortegana, the Camp Nou outfit are exploring a deal for the 30-year-old, having held talks with his camp over the conditions of a potential move. The lure of the Blaugrana project, we're told, is the fit with their footballing style and the prospect of joining a dressing room where eight members of Spain's World Cup-winning squad already reside.

For a player who has won everything at club level, the appeal of a new challenge in Catalonia is obvious enough.

City, for their part, are unsurprisingly keen to keep hold of their midfield metronome at least for the final year of his current deal. A financially boosted contract offer has been placed on the table, but Rodri has yet to commit. The longer he holds out, the greater the chance of an exit this summer.

It leaves Hugo Viana, the club's Director of Football, with plenty on his plate. He has been at the negotiating table throughout the window, fielding interest in Enzo Maresca's squad while also working on potential recruits. The £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest addressed one area, but attention has quickly turned to right-back, the wing, and further reinforcement in the middle of the park.

Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi remains a primary target, though prising the Morocco wonderkid away for anything below €100 million looks a tall order.

Rodri's situation, though, is the one that could define the window. With Real Madrid and now Barcelona circling, City's resolve is being tested. The ball, as they say, is in the player's court.

The question arrives on day one, and it does not wait for the season to start. Every manager who takes the City job is asked it, usually before they have even unpacked: what can you actually do in year one?

Enzo Maresca is the latest to hear it. He is now in his first season in the City dugout, and the same old interrogation has already begun.

A club with no pattern

If the new manager looks to history for comfort, he will not find a consistent answer. The range of outcomes at this club is enormous. Some men have walked in and won things immediately. Trophies, title challenges, the lot. Others have needed time, or simply never got going.

The spread is so wide that precedent offers little guidance.

History says the range of outcomes at this club is enormous.

So where does he land?

The honest answer is that nobody knows yet. Maresca's debut campaign will be judged against a very wide range of precedents, and the only certainty is that the question will keep coming until he answers it himself.

Somewhere between immediate silverware and a slow start, the truth of this era will emerge.

The noise around Savinho's future is getting harder to ignore. With the Brazilian's standing at the Etihad having dipped over the past year, City are preparing for life without him — and Pedro Neto is the name at the top of their list.

Sources indicate that City are increasingly likely to move for the Chelsea winger if Savinho departs before the 3 September deadline. The Blues have been anticipating the wideman's exit for some time, and a formal approach for Neto is expected once that transfer progresses.

There is a sense of inevitability about Savinho's departure. Former City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider at the end of June that he wouldn't be surprised if his former club have "already done" a deal behind the scenes. He believes it is in City's interests to cash in for a fee in the region of £60m, and described the exit as effectively all-but-done.

Tottenham have pursued the ex-Girona man continually over the last 12 months, though Borson's comments suggest the groundwork may already be laid elsewhere. City, he says, need to balance their SCR standing and wage bill — a delicate operation that makes a sale of this size almost inevitable.

Savinho's trajectory at the Etihad has been a strange one. He impressed with eight assists in the Premier League in 2024-25, but struggled for both form and game time last term. That decline has opened the door for a parting of ways.

Neto price tag

Should City move for Neto, they know exactly what it will cost. Chelsea are holding out for £70m for the Portuguese international. City, for their part, view that as decent value in today's market.

Neto ticks a box that matters to City: he is proven in the Premier League, having ended last season with five goals and six assists to his name in the league. At 26, he fits the profile of a player who can contribute immediately rather than one who needs time to adapt.

There is also the small matter of familiarity. Enzo Maresca has already worked with Neto previously, and City are keen to help the new boss mould the squad in his image following Pep Guardiola's exit. A player who knows the manager's methods and the demands of English football is an appealing proposition.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, now a regular source of transfer insight, told Football Insider earlier this week that Neto's potential move to the Etihad is "one to watch" in the final month of the window. He has emphasised that a deal could happen in the coming weeks.

Brown believes Neto would provide an "upgrade" on some of City's current options in the wide areas — a pointed assessment of the squad's recent struggles in those positions. He also made it clear that Chelsea are "not ruling out selling anyone" this summer, even if Neto is not one of their top candidates for an exit.

The West Londoners are reluctant to lose the former Wolves man, but they would entertain a sale if the money was right. They also know they will need funds for further additions to Xabi Alonso's squad. Football's food chain, as ever, requires movement at every level.

At £70m, Neto would not be a cheap acquisition. But for a club in transition, with a new manager and a squad needing refresh, it may be a price worth paying. City are also expecting exits of their own before the deadline, so the financial picture is far from static.

Whether Savinho's departure is confirmed in the coming days or dragged out to the wire, the direction of travel is clear. Neto is the man City want, and the pieces are falling into place.

There is a particular kind of education that only comes from being thrown in at the deep end. Max Alleyne got that education in January, when Manchester City's defensive options collapsed around them and the phone rang with an early recall from Watford.

Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol had both gone down with serious injuries. City needed bodies. In stepped a young defender who had been quietly impressing in the Championship, and Pep Guardiola did not waste any time easing him in. Alleyne started immediately against Brighton at the Etihad and went on to make seven appearances before the season was out.

That experience is showing now. In City's opening friendlies of pre-season, against Inter Milan and the K-League All-Stars, Alleyne has come on at half-time in both matches and looked a more mature player for the six months he spent around Guardiola's squad.

Quietly doing the unglamorous work

Enzo Maresca's system, much like Guardiola's, asks a lot of its defenders. The line sits high, the space behind is inviting, and anyone wearing a City shirt has to be alert to the ball over the top and the threat of the counter. Against two opponents happy to spring forward, that has been a genuine test.

Alleyne has passed it. He has closed down danger well, and his anticipation of what might develop has stood out. He is not yet a game-breaking presence in possession, but he knows where the ball should go and how to keep City's passing machine ticking over. On both sides of the ball, the understanding of the club's concepts is evident.

That is no accident. The final six months of last season, spent as a member of Guardiola's squad, have prepared him for life under Maresca.

The numbers behind the need

There is a practical reason this all matters. City will need five centre-backs for the coming campaign, because entering a season with four recognised options and a schedule that could stretch to 60 games is asking for trouble.

Last season proved the point. The constant fitness problems of John Stones and Nathan Ake hurt the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, and the situation came to a head in January when Gvardiol and Dias both went down against Chelsea, forcing the recall of Alleyne in the first place. It is a set of circumstances nobody at the club will want to repeat.

Vitor Reis has looked the favourite for that fifth-choice role, impressing at centre-back in both friendlies. But Alleyne, working quietly alongside him, has made a case of his own. There is an argument that he is more physically ready for the demands of English football right now, and that for the time being he might be a step ahead of Reis in his development.

Both players figure to be prominent in City's defence in the years ahead. For now, though, Alleyne's performances in these first two friendlies look like those of a player who has grown up fast. Fifth-choice centre-back for 2026-27? It is not a far-fetched notion at all.

Enzo Maresca has offered little clarity on Vitor Reis's immediate future, leaving the young defender's fate hanging until the close of pre-season. The City manager, speaking after Wednesday's 3-1 win over K-League All Stars in Seoul, was warm in his praise but deliberately vague on what comes next for the Brazilian.

"Vitor is working very well. I am happy with him," said Maresca.

That was as far as he would go. Pressed on whether Reis would stay or head out on loan again, the manager pointed to the wider picture.

"The only thing is for most of the young players here with us, the plan is to finish pre-season and then take the final decision. And we will take the best decision for them, not just us."

Reis, 20, arrived from Palmeiras in January 2025 for around £12.5 million, a fee that reflected the club's long-standing interest in a defender viewed as a future first-team regular. Last season he spent on loan at Girona, gaining La Liga experience before returning to Manchester this summer.

He has since been part of the touring squad for City's east Asia pre-season, training under Maresca's direct supervision in both Hong Kong and Seoul. The manager has had a first-hand look at a player who has clearly impressed those working with him day to day.

Reis himself has spoken openly about wanting to force his way into Maresca's plans for 2026-27, naming the new manager as a source of genuine excitement.

His situation is just one strand of a busy summer at the Etihad. The headline incoming business remains the British record £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli imminently arriving from Marseille. On the way out, James Trafford is close to joining Leeds United, while Tijjani Reijnders has been linked with a £60 million move to Forest as City manage a deepening midfield group.

The pursuit of Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi remains live, with direct contact made at the highest level between the clubs. And in the background, Rodri's own situation continues to develop, with Real Madrid reportedly having reached a personal agreement with the player as club-to-club talks over a fee progress.

For Reis, the waiting continues. Maresca's words were kind, but the door remains ajar — in which direction, nobody is saying yet.

Jeremy Monga has offered a rare glimpse into the thinking behind his summer move to Manchester City, describing the club's pull as irresistible once they came calling.

The 17-year-old winger, who joined from Leicester City earlier in the transfer window, was the subject of intense interest from Arsenal. In an interview with the BBC, he admitted the Gunners' pursuit had been serious — so serious that he came close to heading to north London.

“It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close,” Monga said.

But City won the race, and the teenager says the deciding factors were straightforward. The pathway on offer at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, plus the club itself, swung it. On the pitch, City's recent success made the call an easy one.

“They've been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call,” he said.

Monga's ambitions are clear. He wants trophies, to be among the best, and he sees his future in sky blue.

“It's every child's dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best. Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself.”

He also revealed where he feels most at home.

“I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue.”

First minutes, first signs

Monga got his first taste of senior City action in the 3-1 friendly win over the K-League All-Stars, coming on for Rayan Ait-Nouri in the 62nd minute. It was a short outing, but enough to show why there was such a scrap for his signature.

He had a goal chalked off for handball, but not before showing composure to beat keeper Gu Sung-Yun. There were also chances to run at the defence down the left, where he looked a constant threat.

At 17, he is one for the future rather than the immediate present. He is unlikely to be a prominent figure in Enzo Maresca's plans this season, but the early signs suggest the hype is justified.

The question of where Vitor Reis plays his football this season is becoming the most intriguing subplot of City's summer. Two composed displays against Inter Milan and the K-League All-Stars have only sharpened the debate.

The 3-1 win at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday gave Maresca another look at a defender who looks increasingly like the finished article. Cool in possession, unflappable under pressure, reading the game before it happens — Reis ticks every box City look for in a centre-back.

"Vitor is working very well. I am happy with him. The only thing is for most of the young players here with us, the plan is to finish pre-season and then take the final decision. And we will take the best decision for them, not just us."

That decision, Maresca confirmed, will be made once the squad returns to Manchester. Whether Reis stays as fifth-choice centre-back or heads out on loan again remains genuinely up in the air.

Girona year has transformed the Brazilian

Twelve months in La Liga on loan at Girona have clearly accelerated his development. The difference in his game is striking — more confident, more mature, more assured in everything he does. The raw talent was always there; the seasoning was what he needed.

Staying at the Etihad has obvious appeal. As fifth-choice he would train with the first team daily and learn from the best. But there is a catch: he may not play often enough to keep growing. At 20, Reis needs minutes, not just sessions.

The alternative is another loan, ideally to a Premier League club or one competing in the Champions League. That path would give him consistent football at the highest level, before returning next summer ready to anchor the City defence for a decade.

One thing is certain. There is no chance City entertain selling him. Reis looms as the future of this defence, and everyone at the club knows it. The only question is how best to get him there.

Tijjani Reijnders continues to be a name on the lips of Europe's gossip columns, with Nottingham Forest the latest club credited with an interest in the Dutch midfielder.

Forest's admiration, however, appears to be just that. No formal bid has been reported, and while Juventus and Galatasaray have also been linked, there is little to suggest any of it is about to turn into something more concrete.

City, for their part, are hardly in a position to be rushed. Reijnders remains under contract, which gives the Blues a firm footing. Should any club wish to test their resolve, they know the asking price: somewhere in the region of £55-60m.

That valuation may give suitors pause, or it may simply be the starting point for a negotiation. Either way, the initiative rests with City.

For now, the speculation continues to swirl. Whether Forest's interest ever develops into something firmer remains to be seen, but the club are under no obligation to entertain anything less than a serious offer.

Adam Catterall of talkSPORT has thrown his weight behind Manchester City's bid to reclaim the Premier League crown, but with one significant caveat: the fitness and presence of Rodri could be the deciding factor.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Catterall backed the Blues to challenge Arsenal for the title. Yet he warned that the outcome could look very different if the Spanish midfielder were to suffer an injury or depart the Etihad.

The timing is notable. City are still in pre-season, with the new campaign yet to get underway, and the usual chatter about who finishes where is already in full swing. Arsenal, as reigning champions, are the side everyone is aiming to catch.

Catterall's point is straightforward: keep Rodri fit and in sky blue, and City have a genuine shot at reclaiming the trophy. Let him slip away or spend a spell on the sidelines, and the picture shifts.

Whether the season actually unfolds that way remains to be seen. But if Catterall is right, the title race might just hinge on the health and happiness of one Spaniard in the middle of the pitch.

Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic have thrown their weight behind Elliot Anderson, describing Manchester City's record signing as a solid addition to Enzo Maresca's squad. The 23-year-old joined from Nottingham Forest in July for £116 million, a deal that stands as the most significant piece of incoming business at the Etihad this summer.

Anderson, who impressed during England's run to the World Cup semi-finals in North America, remains on post-World Cup rest and is expected to link up with his new teammates in Manchester in a few weeks. He completed the administrative formalities of his move before being granted three weeks off by Maresca ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Speaking about the midfielder, Foden said: "Really excited to have him at the club! When I've watched him or played against him, he likes to find the number 10 and wrap balls through the lines. I think that suits me really well. I'm excited to play with him, and I can't wait!"

Kovacic was equally complimentary, highlighting Anderson's blend of attributes. "A lot of quality, a lot of physicality," the Croatian said. "He's capable of running a lot, good on the ball, good off the ball. He's young so he can improve a lot still at Man City, and I think it's a great signing for us."

The transfer, which underlines the scale of ambition behind Maresca's first summer in charge, nearly fell apart before it was salvaged at a critical moment by CEO Ferran Soriano. Soriano stepped in personally after Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis had been minded to walk away from negotiations. The eventual agreement was reached between Soriano, Marinakis and Anderson's agent David Manasseh, bypassing the clubs' sporting directors to conclude a deal that had come close to collapsing entirely.

Anderson is the centrepiece of director of football Hugo Viana's ongoing rebuild at the Etihad. The work, however, is far from finished. Geronimo Rulli is close to joining from Marseille as backup goalkeeper, while discussions over further additions in the wide attacking and midfield positions continue. The pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and fresh contact with Pedro Neto's camp are among the active threads still being worked through before the window closes.

For now, though, the focus is on Anderson — and the early signs suggest City's record outlay has the dressing room's approval.

There was a 3-1 win over the K League All-Stars in Seoul, which is all well and good for the scoreline. But Enzo Maresca was more interested in something else entirely.

The new City boss believes his players are finally starting to get what he is asking of them. Not the full picture, not yet, but the early brushstrokes are there. After another run-out in South Korea's capital, he felt the performance was another encouraging step in pre-season preparations.

That much was evident in how the Blues went about their work. The patterns are emerging, the ideas taking shape. For a squad still missing some key names, there is a sense that the foundations are being laid.

Maresca's message was measured. He acknowledged the progress but was quick to point out that the best is yet to come. "We will improve further once everyone is available," he said, a line that hints at the ceiling this group might have.

Pre-season results can be deceptive. Nobody sensible reads too much into a friendly, no matter the opposition. But the signs of a manager imprinting his identity on a new squad are worth noting, even at this early stage.

The coming weeks will bring more tests, more minutes, more chances to sharpen the edges. For now, the encouraging part is that the players are listening. The rest, as they say, can wait.

At 26, he is suddenly one of the longest-serving players in the squad. With Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne moving on in recent seasons, the dressing room has a different look to it. Foden, for the first time in his career, sounds like a man who understands the responsibility that comes with that.

'One of the captains this season'

He is not shying away from the role, either. Having been at the club for so long and watched so many senior figures leave, he knows what is expected of him now.

"I've been at the club for so long, I'm one of the last remaining players that have been here for a long time, so I have to be one of the leaders, one of the captains this season, for sure."

It is a natural evolution for a player who has already achieved plenty. Six Premier League titles, a Champions League winners' medal and numerous domestic cups sit on his CV. In 2024 he spearheaded the charge to a record fourth consecutive league title and was voted the best player in England.

His commitment to the cause was underlined earlier this summer when he put pen to paper on a new four-year deal running until 2030.

Life after Pep

The transition under Enzo Maresca is, by Foden's own admission, not a dramatic one. The new boss's approach is very similar to what they did under Pep Guardiola, even if there are tweaks here and there.

"It's very similar to how we played under Pep, but there's obviously still things that are a little different. Maybe the defending's a little different. We have different ideas playing out from the back, different variety on the ball."

For a player who has known only Guardiola, the change of manager represents something of a clean slate. He credits Maresca personally as a factor in his decision to stay, and he is clearly enjoying the early days of the new regime.

"I'm enjoying it, enjoying the new coaching staff, the way we're playing, the things we're doing in training. All I've known is Pep Guardiola, so a new manager is a fresh start."

The players, he insists, are comfortable with what is being asked of them. They want to play out from the back, build the attack and create. The lads are very comfortable with that, he says.

With a decade of unprecedented success under Guardiola now in the rearview mirror, City are embarking on a new era. Foden, for his part, is ready for it.

"I'm just really excited for the season, and hopefully we can have a really good year!"

There was a first victory of the Enzo Maresca era on Wednesday evening, as City made light work of the K-League All Stars in Seoul. The 3-1 scoreline was settled inside a lively first half that offered a glimpse of what this side might look like going forward.

The goals came in a burst before the break, with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama all on target. The All Stars pulled one back through Kim Dae-Won, but the second half never quite caught fire, and City saw the job through.

How it unfolded

City's opener was scrappy in origin but no less welcome. Reijnders did the hard part on the right flank, twisting beyond two defenders before delivering a low cross. Mubama could not quite reach it, but the deflection fell kindly for Ait-Nouri, who finished on his weaker right foot.

The lead lasted barely a moment. With their first shot of the match, the All Stars were level, Iago keeping a channel ball alive and finding Kim, whose effort from the edge of the area nutmegged Ruben Dias and squirmed past Gianluigi Donnarumma at his near post.

Normal service resumed shortly after. Rico Lewis's pass into Antoine Semenyo was backheeled by the Ghanaian, possibly intending to return it to the overlapping full-back, but the ball instead found Reijnders, who drilled an accurate finish into the bottom corner.

"It landed with Reijnders instead, and the Dutchman drilled an accurate finish into the bottom corner."

It should have been four before the half-hour, Semenyo again the provider with a driven cross that flashed straight past Mubama. Phil Foden then ought to have scored when clean through but struck his own standing leg as he shaped to shoot. At the other end, Lewis was required to put off Iago as the striker shaped to convert a header.

Second-half drift

A host of changes at the interval did little to slow the early tempo, with Foden, Reijnders and Ait-Nouri all seeing efforts saved in a whirlwind start to the second period. Kim Ju-Chan then hit the post for the All Stars on a quick break.

Further substitutions after the hour, by which point City had changed their entire outfield, did disrupt the game as a spectacle. There was still time for new signing Jeremy Monga to threaten a debut goal, finishing confidently in the box only to see it ruled out for handball. Omar Marmoush, back in the side and seemingly determined to mark his return, was twice denied by substitute goalkeeper Gu Sung-Yun.

Player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6: Tried to break lines with his passing, some of it successful, some of it less so. Will be disappointed to be caught out at his near post for the goal.

Rico Lewis – 6: A right-back in name for the most part, spending much of his time inverting into midfield. Played things neatly and had a nice hand in Reijnders' goal.

Ruben Dias – 6: Rarely required to make the sort of eye-catching interventions we know he can, but progressed the ball smartly in his half.

Mateo Kovacic – 6: Only recently back following his post-World Cup break and looked a little sluggish. Saw plenty of the ball but made the occasional error and couldn't shut down the shot for Kim's goal. The lone holding midfielder role remains a game of give-and-take; some incisive passes and serene carries out of trouble, but also cheap giveaways and being bypassed in transition.

Tijjani Reijnders – 7: Exactly his type of game, with big spaces to drive into and the evasiveness to drift into pockets unmarked. He did the latter to great effect before scoring.

Phil Foden – 6: A controlling presence, turning well at times. Maybe ought to have scored when put clean through, but was unlucky in the ball striking his standing leg.

Antoine Semenyo – 8.5 (Player of the Match): His dribbling was irresistible, and he put it to use to carve out numerous chances, including the second and third goals.

Divin Mubama – 7: Had more success in his hold-up attempts here than on Saturday, and was well-positioned to tap in his second goal in two games this pre-season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7: Finished his chance on his weak foot with aplomb and produced other pieces of wing play to suggest this could be an option for City going into the season proper.

Marcus Bettinelli – 6.5: Faced little coming towards his goal, with Kim's effort off the post unable to call him into action. Collected a few crosses easily enough.

Substitutes and other performers: Another confident showing from the Brazilian, having license to roam further forward at times and doing good work on and off the ball. Didn't have much defending to do, but led the ball-playing from the back in the second-half. Slotted in again in the left-back role he played on Saturday, tucking in where necessary to cover for Reis when he moved forward. Showed his qualities with some neat midfield footwork to get out of tight zones, and was keen to press high too. Looked to carry on from his bright display against Inter, and was again a handful for the defenders he went up against. Unlucky to be kept out by some great saves from Gu. Didn't seem to miss a beat in his first game of the tour, working his way out of some pressurised situations. Was denied by the goalkeeper late on. Bit into his tackles and looked a composed midfield presence. Drifted around the forward line but couldn't quite get involved to the extent of some of his teammates. Jeremy Monga had a promising unofficial debut for the young signing from Leicester, confident in taking on men and attempting shots from range, unfortunate to be denied by the brush of a hand. It took some quality stops from Gu to keep him out.

Manchester City have made a formal approach for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, according to Fabrizio Romano. The journalist reported on his YouTube channel that official contact has been made with the Portuguese international's representatives.

Per Romano, City have been in touch with Neto's agent, with the move described as a formal approach lodged today. The 26-year-old's current club are understood to value the player in the region of £70m, though no further details of the proposed deal have been disclosed.

The news arrives as City continue their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign. Whether this initial contact develops into a full transfer remains to be seen, but the first step has clearly been taken.

The picture behind Gianluigi Donnarumma is finally coming into focus. City are closing in on a deal for Marseille's Gerónimo Rulli, a move that would give them an experienced deputy without breaking the bank.

According to TEAMtalk, negotiations are advancing and the Argentine is keen to get it done. Personal terms on a two-year contract are reportedly already agreed, with an opening offer of around €2 million on the table. Marseille want closer to €3.5 million, so the gap is hardly cavernous.

Trafford's path

This all makes sense in context. James Trafford has moved closer to joining Leeds United in search of regular football, which left City needing reliable cover. Rather than splash out on another promising youngster, they have opted for somebody who knows what elite football demands and will happily sit second in the pecking order.

Rulli is no stranger to the club. He was on City's books years ago without making a senior appearance before returning permanently to Real Sociedad. Now in his 30s, he brings a CV that includes the Europa League with Villarreal, spells in Spain, France and the Netherlands, and involvement with successful Argentina squads.

"Rather than spending heavily on another young goalkeeper, City appear to have chosen a proven international in Gerónimo Rulli, who understands the demands of elite competition and would be comfortable accepting a supporting role."

Marseille's own business

There is a helpful subplot developing in the south of France. FourFourTwo report that Marseille's pursuit of Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes could help unlock Rulli's departure. If that deal goes through, the path to Manchester becomes that bit smoother.

It would be easy to overthink this one. City are not signing a long-term successor to Donnarumma here, nor are they trying to. They are adding a reliable, experienced pair of hands for domestic cup competitions and the occasional league outing. Rulli fits that brief neatly.

Most Premier League sides have spent the summer racking up four, five, even six friendlies. Plenty of minutes to build fitness, tinker with combinations and get a feel for a preferred starting eleven. City, by contrast, have had a far shorter programme.

Sunday's game against Atlético Madrid in Seoul will be only their third friendly of pre-season. That makes it a little more significant than your average warm-up fixture.

There is a practical edge to this one. With fewer games to work with, every half of football carries more information for Enzo Maresca. This is a chance to see players in a competitive setting, to test ideas against a side that will not make life easy.

Atleti are not the sort of opposition that lets you coast through ninety minutes. They press, they niggle, they make you work for every pass. It is, in other words, exactly the kind of test you want when time is short.

Sunday's game will only be their third friendly before next season.

The condensed schedule is not necessarily a criticism. It could be read as a statement of intent — a squad deemed close to ready, a manager confident in what he already has. Or it might simply be the hand dealt by a congested calendar and long-haul travel.

Either way, what Maresca learns from this one will likely shape his thinking heading into the season proper. One suspects he will be watching closely. The rest of us might just learn something too.

Speaking to the media yesterday, on the eve of today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars, Foden was asked about Elliot Anderson, the midfielder recruited from Nottingham Forest earlier in the summer. The response was revealing.

“I am really excited to have him at the club,” Foden said. “Whenever I have watched him or played with him, he’s a player that likes to find the No.10 and wrap balls through the lines. That suits me really well. I’m excited to play with him and can’t wait really.”

For a player who has spent the best part of a decade at the Etihad, that is about as close to a public endorsement as you get. Foden clearly sees something in Anderson, and the two have apparently already discussed how their games might mesh.

A Question of Balance

There is a logic to the pairing. When Foden was at his most effective last season, he operated in a midfield berth, stationed ahead of Nico Gonzalez and the departed Bernardo Silva. It was a role that allowed him to drift, to find pockets of space, and to arrive late in the box.

Anderson, by all accounts, is the type of player who can feed that movement. He is a tremendous passer, and his time in the Premier League has shown him to be an elite one at that, with the ability to carry the game forward. The sort of line-breaking passes he favours are precisely the ones Foden thrives on.

It is not difficult to see how that skillset might also benefit Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku, all of whom prefer to attack space rather than receive to feet. If Anderson can find them early and accurately, City could have a formidable supply line on their hands.

Of course, pre-season declarations are cheap. Every player is excited in July. But there is something a little more concrete here: a genuine, stated fit between what Anderson does and what Foden wants. Whether it translates into silverware for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders remains to be seen. The early signs, though, are encouraging.

Ruben Dias will be pulling on the sky blue shirt again this season. Despite the noise from the Spanish capital, the Portugal international is preparing for another campaign at the Etihad, with no move on the cards.

Real Madrid's interest had been one of the summer's more persistent rumours. With Jose Mourinho now in charge at the Bernabeu and reshaping a defence that has seen plenty of change, the former Chelsea and Inter boss was said to be an admirer of the 29-year-old.

It amounts to nothing, though. Dias has not pushed for an exit and appears settled in Manchester, which will come as a relief to Enzo Maresca as he puts together his defensive plans for the season ahead.

A key figure for the new regime

Maresca knows exactly what he is getting. The pair worked together during the treble-winning campaign of 2022-23, and having that trusted presence available when the Premier League season gets underway later this month is significant.

There is a wider context here. Dias arrived from Benfica back in September 2020 and has since collected four league titles, the Champions League and a stack of domestic cups. At 29, he remains one of the most consistent defenders in the division.

His contract runs until 2027, which always gave City a strong hand had they wanted to sell. But with Vitor Reis still learning his trade and Marc Guehi only recently through the door, keeping Dias's experience around for at least another year always looked the sensible option.

Director of football Hugo Viana has spent his first summer balancing continuity with fresh investment. This decision fits that approach neatly.

There was also international duty to factor in. Dias featured for Portugal at the World Cup in North America, facing club teammates Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic when his nation met Croatia in the Round of 32, before going out at the quarter-final stage.

Sam Lee of The Athletic reports that despite the Madrid interest, the centre-back is now gearing up for another season at City. For a club in the early stages of a transition under new management, keeping hold of one of its most influential senior figures is about as good as it gets.

Nottingham Forest have joined the growing list of clubs keeping tabs on Tijjani Reijnders, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the City midfielder has attracted genuine interest from the City Ground.

Oliver Glasner is keen to bolster his engine room before the window shuts, and the Dutch international fits the profile. Whether Forest are prepared to meet the asking price, however, is another matter.

City have slapped a £55-60m valuation on Reijnders, according to Simon Jones of the Mail. That figure will give any suitor pause, but it has not deterred everyone. Juventus and Galatasaray are also mentioned as potential destinations.

Reijnders, for his part, is said to be open to leaving the Etihad. That is not a surprise. A player of his age wants regular football, and with the competition for places in City's midfield, minutes are not guaranteed.

The question now is whether anyone actually stumps up the cash. Forest's interest looks genuine, but the fee is significant. If someone meets the valuation, there is a conversation to be had. If not, Reijnders stays put.

Nottingham Forest have held an interest in City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

Glasner's side have shown ambition in the market before, but this would represent a serious outlay. Whether they get there before the deadline is anyone's guess.

Manchester City's summer transfer business has been busy, but the window's final weeks could yet deliver a familiar face. Reports on Tuesday pointed to a formal approach for Portugal international Pedro Neto, and Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed City have made direct contact with the winger's camp.

Romano's update on X was clear: City have opened talks over a possible move, with Neto among their targets should Savinho depart for Tottenham. The deal, Romano stressed, also depends on Chelsea's valuation.

The Blues' stance, for now, is firm. Despite a tenth-place finish in the Premier League last term, Chelsea have held onto most of their key players—Marc Cucurella the only starter to leave so far. Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer have been declared untouchable, and Neto is not on the club's list of players for sale. He remains part of Xabi Alonso's plans.

Yet Romano suggests the situation could shift if an important offer lands. Contacts with Neto's representatives are ongoing, and the player could be open to the move.

Part of City's interest is obvious: Enzo Maresca knows Neto well from their time together at Chelsea and rates him highly. With Savinho's future uncertain, City are looking for a winger, and Neto is considered an ideal opportunity—a player the club values greatly.

There is, however, a twist. Tottenham's first, second, and third priority remains Savinho, and Romano still believes the Brazilian has a very good chance of joining Spurs before the window shuts. If that deal falls through, Neto could become an option for them too.

For now, City have made their move. Whether Chelsea budge is another matter entirely.

There is a stand-off developing at the Etihad, and it centres on a player who has made it abundantly clear he wants out. Savinho has told City he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer and work under Roberto De Zerbi, but the two clubs remain a long way apart on what he is worth.

The Brazilian submitted a transfer request earlier in the window, and Fabrizio Romano reports the winger has already reached an agreement with Spurs on personal terms. He wants the move done as quickly as possible. That, however, is where the easy part ends.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Savinho wants to join De Zerbi at Tottenham as soon as possible.

Negotiations are underway, yet the gap in valuation is significant. City signed the 22-year-old from the City Football Group network in 2024 after a breakout loan at Girona, and he is under contract until 2031. Those are not the circumstances in which a club typically discounts its asset.

City's position is straightforward: expressing a wish to leave does not mean accepting a cut-price exit. The club will not be pushed into taking a figure below its valuation simply because the player wants to go.

There is nuance here, though. City have already committed serious money to the Elliot Anderson deal this summer, and the proceeds of a Savinho sale would hand Hugo Viana the flexibility to address the remaining positions on his list before the window shuts. A deal makes sense in principle — just not at any price.

Whether this gets resolved before the Premier League season opens against Bournemouth on 23 August remains to be seen. For now, the ball sits with Spurs, and there is no obvious sign of either side blinking.

Enzo Maresca's inbox is full, and not just with farewell messages. The Italian walks into the Etihad tasked with replacing the irreplaceable, picking up a squad that has just waved goodbye to ten trophy-laden years under Pep Guardiola and, this summer alone, to John Stones, Nathan Ake and Bernardo Silva.

The first question was always going to be about shape. At Chelsea, Maresca settled on a 4-2-3-1, and there is little reason to think he abandons it now. The second question is about personnel, and here the picture gets interesting.

Building From the Back

Maresca has made his feelings on ball-playing goalkeepers plain. "Enzo knows if he doesn't play back, I will change him. If the goalkeeper plays long, I will change him," he once said. That puts James Trafford, a man who knows the manager's methods from City's Under-21s, firmly in the frame between the sticks.

In front of him, there is a problem. City do not have a single natural right-back on the books. Matheus Nunes has filled in admirably this season, but the perpetual links with Malo Gusto suggest the club are hunting for a more permanent answer. Guehi, meanwhile, looks a cornerstone of the defence for years to come.

The Midfield Puzzle

The biggest headache sits in the middle. Guardiola told reporters that "there is not one player that will turn [down] the chance to play for [Real] Madrid", and with Rodri being linked with a move away, that warning carries weight. "Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club," Guardiola added, but wishes do not always hold in football.

Should Rodri go, the £116million price tag attached to Elliot Anderson starts to make sense. "He's a machine," the logic goes, and the outlay suddenly looks less extravagant. There are also those eyebrow-raising links to Enzo Fernandez, which would certainly add some spice to the midfield.

Wide Options

Out wide, the picture is brighter. Jeremy Doku transformed into one of City's most decisive, devastatingly effective players last season, and Phil Foden has just signed on until 2030, a clear signal of his importance. The interest in Antoine Semenyo, fresh from an inspired match-winner in the FA Cup final, suggests Maresca wants more of the same directness.

It is a squad in transition, with holes to fill and big shoes to step into. Maresca's City will not look like Guardiola's City, but the early signs are that he knows exactly what he wants. Whether he gets it before the window shuts is another matter.

The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, one of the most significant pieces of business City have completed this summer. But the real story is not the length of the contract. It is the state of mind behind it.

The long view

Foden has been at the club since he was four or five years old. He has never played senior professional football anywhere else. A new deal was never really in doubt — he says leaving never crossed his mind — but the way he talks about it reveals a player who sees this as a reset rather than a farewell.

"It made me feel steady, relaxed, and just concentrate on being the best version of me and give back to the club for trusting me," he told the Manchester Evening News.

The trust has been tested. By his own admission, the last two seasons have been difficult. He lost his place in England's World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel, a decision that sparked plenty of public debate and which Foden has addressed with the same measured honesty he applies to everything else.

"I've been here since I was four or five and never thought about leaving once — never crossed my mind."

He references reaching the top and winning Player of the Season in 2024-25, followed immediately by the acknowledgement that it has not gone like that at the moment. That kind of self-diagnosis is exactly what elite managers look for. It is honest without being self-pitying, ambitious without being desperate.

Backing from the boss

Enzo Maresca has made it clear he regards getting Foden back to his best as part of his remit. When the England snub landed, the new manager reached out personally. Foden has spoken warmly about that gesture, and it is not hard to see why. The investment is mutual.

"There are no changes I need to make," Foden said. "I just need to work on my own game and train hard — that's what I'm trying."

He is 26, committed to the Etihad until at least 2030, and still young enough that his best years should be ahead of him. This is not a redemption arc. It is simply the next chapter.

"I'm still young so I've still got a lot to prove to everyone," he said. "Hopefully I perform well and do what I need to do. That's it."

That's it. No grand promises, no noise. Just a player who knows exactly what he needs to do, and a club that has bet on him doing it.

Manchester City's summer clear-out has claimed three of the club's most recognisable faces. Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake have all departed, leaving a dressing room that suddenly looks a lot younger — and a lot less experienced.

That reality is not lost on Phil Foden. Speaking to reporters in Seoul ahead of the friendly against the K-League All-Stars at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the 26-year-old acknowledged that the exits have shifted the burden onto his shoulders.

“I have been in the club for so long, I am one of the last remaining players to have been here for a long time,” he said. “So I think I have to be this season, one of the leaders, one of the captains or in and around it for sure.”

The words carry weight. Foden has been at City since he was a kid, but he has rarely been the senior voice in the room. With Silva, Stones and Ake gone, that changes. He is now one of the most experienced players in the squad, and he knows it.

“I have to become a leader,” he said. “The fact that I am one of the most experienced players in the squad means I have to assume a leadership role.”

It is a role he has already started to explore. Foden captained City in their first preseason friendly against Inter Milan, a clear sign of the direction the club is heading.

“I am looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership on,” he added.

The armband against Inter may have been a one-off gesture, or it may be a preview of something more permanent. Either way, Foden sounds ready to embrace it. City's rebuild is happening, and he intends to be at its centre.

City head to the Seoul World Cup Stadium tomorrow for their second friendly of the Asia tour, but the conversation around the squad has already drifted towards the transfer market. Enzo Maresca, speaking ahead of the K-League All-Stars clash, made no secret of his concern about the experience that has left the building this summer.

Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake have all moved on. That is a lot of know-how out the door in one window, and the manager wants some back in before the season properly begins.

Enter Pedro Neto. The Chelsea winger has been named as a potential City target, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that talks have begun with the Portuguese's camp. The catch? It appears to be a chain reaction that starts with Savinho.

The Savinho Question

Romano's information is that Neto becomes a genuine option if Savinho completes a move to Tottenham. Spurs, we are told, have Neto in their sights as an alternative if they cannot land the Brazilian. City, for their part, are adamant they will not let Savinho go unless a replacement arrives first.

So the dominoes are lined up, but they haven't started falling yet.

Neto, at 26, is a more finished product than the 22-year-old Savinho. He can operate on either flank, his dribbling and pace give defenders trouble, and he knows Maresca from their time together at Chelsea. His numbers from last season read well: 10 goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances. Savinho, by comparison, managed four goals and three assists in 36 games.

If the club view this purely as a swap of output, Neto wins easily.

Two Red Flags

But there are reasons for caution. Neto's injury record is a genuine concern — he battles injuries regularly, even if his 52 appearances last season suggest the problem might be overstated. Then there is the matter of Chelsea's asking price. Neto signed a seven-year contract when he joined from Wolves in August 2024, making him an important piece at Stamford Bridge. The likelihood of them letting him go cheaply is slim.

That fee could be the deciding factor. If Chelsea hold out for a significant sum, the move might simply not stack up.

Savinho, for all his current limitations, has potential. His end product and decision-making need work, but at 22 there is time on his side. City's stance is clear: they will not sell unless a replacement is secured. Neto fits that brief on paper.

Whether the price makes sense is another matter entirely.

Tijjani Reijnders' first season at the Etihad was decent without ever quite catching fire. Seven goals and seven assists in 47 appearances, often in uneven minutes, made him useful rather than indispensable. Now, with the transfer window still open, Juventus are testing City's resolve.

Reports from Italy, via TuttoSport, suggest the Serie A side are putting together a fresh approach for the Dutchman: an initial paid loan with an option to buy for around £30m. Reijnders only arrived last summer, when City paid AC Milan £46m and handed him a five-year deal. A potential exit at that price would represent a significant loss on the original outlay.

Juventus, though, have their own constraints. The Italian side reportedly need to shift a few squad players before they can bring anyone else in. Whether that happens before the deadline remains to be seen.

"Juventus haven't given up and are devising a new plan to make the Reijnders move easier," TuttoSport report.

The picture at City is complicated by the presence of Elliot Anderson. The England midfielder's arrival has reignited questions over Reijnders' role, and Anderson's absence from the pre-season squad — he featured for England in the summer tournament — has done little to settle the noise.

Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, is still shopping. The Italian is planning to add Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi to his squad, another body for the middle of the park.

Reijnders did start the friendly against Inter Milan, lining up alongside Mateo Kovacic in a double pivot. That suggests he remains in the manager's thinking, at least for now.

But with Bernardo Silva gone and Rodri's future unresolved, letting Reijnders leave would leave City thinner in midfield than Maresca might like. The argument for keeping him is straightforward: experienced depth is hard to replace in August. The argument for selling is equally simple — if Juventus are willing to pay, City recoup a chunk of the fee and clear a path for younger options.

Whether Reijnders stays or goes may end up telling us more about Rodri than about Reijnders himself.

Oliver Glasner has finally opened up on the chain of events that led Elliot Anderson to swap the City Ground for the Etihad, and his admission is as candid as it gets.

The Nottingham Forest boss confirmed that Anderson’s departure was effectively a done deal before Glasner even took charge, revealing that there was never any intention to persuade the midfielder to stay.

“No, no, it was decided that he will leave, and I think that’s what we have to accept, and we are not at the end of the food chain in football.”

Anderson’s move to Manchester City was confirmed on the back of England’s third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, with the 23-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year contract. City reportedly parted with £116m to secure his services, making him the club’s most expensive signing ever and surpassing the £100m shelled out for Jack Grealish back in 2021.

It is a hefty sum for a player who only arrived in the East Midlands two years ago, following a lengthy spell at Newcastle. Yet despite the brief stay, Anderson made himself a key figure at the City Ground, and his sale has generated unexpected profit for Forest.

Glasner was keen to stress that Forest were not under any financial pressure to sell, insisting the decision was made for reasons beyond money. Still, the windfall will come in handy, with the funds set to be reinvested across several areas of the squad.

For City, Anderson’s arrival points towards a direct replacement for Bernardo Silva, who departed at the end of last season. The England international has yet to link up with his new teammates in pre-season, with World Cup participants not expected back until a few days before the Community Shield.

When he does arrive, the expectation is that he will slot in alongside Rodri, assuming the Spaniard remains at the Etihad for another campaign. The recent friendly against Inter Milan offered a glimpse of a two-man pivot, hinting at how Maresca might deploy his new signing.

Enzo Maresca was in no mood to tip his hand when the subject of Manchester City's goalkeeping situation came up. With James Trafford reportedly closing in on a £40m-plus move to Leeds, the natural question is who fills the void. The City boss, however, offered little in the way of clarity.

Pressed on the matter, Maresca gave nothing away. It is the kind of non-answer that tends to fuel rather than settle speculation, and with pre-season still ticking along, the silence speaks volumes.

The maths is straightforward enough. Trafford's expected departure would hand the Blues a hefty windfall for a player who has spent time away from the first-team picture. What that means for recruitment between the sticks remains, for now, anyone's guess.

Maresca's reluctance to engage will not dampen the chatter. Supporters are left to read between the lines, and the transfer window is far from shut.

We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Two pieces of goalkeeper business that have been rumbling along in the background of City's east Asia tour remain unresolved, with Enzo Maresca offering little in the way of fresh information ahead of Wednesday's friendly against K-League All Stars in Seoul.

Marseille's Geronimo Rulli is earmarked for the Etihad, while James Trafford's proposed switch to Leeds United continues to hover in the background. Both are understood to be deep into the process, but neither has crossed the finish line.

"There are no updates yet. James is still a Man City player and Rulli is still a Marseille player. So we're going to wait in the next days."

The hold-up, as far as anyone can tell, is not a matter of disagreement. Rulli has reportedly already agreed personal terms on a two-year contract, leaving the finer points of his departure from the French club as the sticking point.

Trafford's exit would open the door

Trafford, 23, has been clear about wanting regular first-team football, and Leeds have long been understood to be his destination. Both clubs are said to have agreed terms. The England man, fresh from the World Cup in North America, has been granted extra time off to rest and recover rather than joining the pre-season squad on tour.

His departure would leave a gap in City's goalkeeping ranks behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, which is precisely where Rulli fits. At 33, the Argentine brings experience from multiple top European leagues — a known quantity rather than a developmental project, which is what the situation calls for.

There is an added layer of urgency on the outgoing side. Academy product Oliver Whatmuff has already been allowed to head to Stockport County earlier than planned after a personnel crisis between the sticks at the League One club, making a swift resolution of the Trafford situation all the more pressing.

August deadline in sight

The Premier League campaign begins on 23 August against Bournemouth, and both pieces of business are expected to be wrapped up well before the full complement of World Cup returnees reports for pre-season. For now, though, patience remains the operative word.

Ryan McAidoo's pre-season tour has hit a small bump. The 18-year-old will sit out Wednesday's friendly against the K-League All Stars in Seoul after picking up a shoulder problem.

City's head coach was quick to play down the severity. "In the last game, Ryan McAidoo was quite good," said Maresca. "Unfortunately, McAidoo will be out for tomorrow's game because he had a small problem in his shoulder, but nothing important."

The teenager impressed during the 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Hong Kong last weekend, a cameo that prompted Maresca to make his feelings clear to director of football Hugo Viana. The message was simple: this is a player worth keeping around.

The injury is not expected to derail that momentum. McAidoo should return to full training shortly and is likely to feature again before the squad heads off for the final leg of their pre-season schedule.

With McAidoo unavailable, the wide areas will be shared out. Savinho is expected to carry extra responsibility against the All Stars, a timely chance for the Brazilian given the ongoing speculation over his future at the Etihad. Tottenham, as ever, continue to be linked.

Antoine Semenyo should also see plenty of the ball. The Ghana international caught the eye in Hong Kong and has been talking up the tactical work he is doing under Maresca ahead of the new campaign.

Maresca has made no secret of his desire to add another wide player before the window shuts, with the Premier League season kicking off on 23 August. For now, though, the focus is on Seoul — and on making sure McAidoo's minor setback stays exactly that.

Manchester City's interest in Pedro Neto is being driven from the top, with Enzo Maresca the man believed to be pulling the strings. The City boss knows the Chelsea winger intimately from their time together at Stamford Bridge, and that familiarity appears to be shaping the club's thinking this summer.

According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, there is a "real possibility" the 26-year-old ends up at the Etihad, with a "big-money" deal on the cards. Brown's track record on transfer matters lends his words some weight, even if he is no longer working in the game.

Neto has been a key figure for Chelsea since arriving from Wolves back in 2024, but his campaign last season was a mixed bag. Ten goals and ten assists in 52 appearances across all competitions is hardly a poor return, yet a string of inconsistent displays raised questions about his reliability at the highest level. Portuguese media were particularly scathing about his World Cup performances, with his half-time withdrawal against Uzbekistan singled out for criticism back in June.

Xabi Alonso, now in charge at Chelsea, is said to view Neto as part of his plans for the new season. But with a significant overhaul of the squad already underway, the club have stopped short of ruling out exits. If Neto does depart, Chelsea would likely move for a replacement, though City are confident that will not stand in the way of their pursuit.

There is a "real possibility" Neto could make the move to Man City, with a "big-money" deal on the cards.

Brown's earlier comments from last season add another layer to the story. Back then, he told Football Insider that Chelsea hoped to keep hold of Neto despite interest from Barcelona, with Maresca determined not to lose him. Now the same manager is reportedly keen to bring him to Manchester, which rather sums up the fluid nature of these situations.

Chelsea's squad depth is worth noting here. With Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Geovany Quenda all competing for wide berths, Neto is far from indispensable. That depth could work in City's favour if they decide to push ahead with a formal offer.

Whether this materialises into an actual bid remains to be seen, but the pieces are in place for a significant transfer saga before the window closes.

Wednesday's clash with a K-League All Stars XI at the Seoul World Cup Stadium marks uncharted territory for Manchester City. It is the first meeting between the Blues and the South Korean select side, and the first chance for Enzo Maresca's side to register a victory since the Italian's reign began.

The opener in Hong Kong ended all square, a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan that had its moments but ultimately slipped away on penalties. Divin Mubama's simple tap-in after Antoine Semenyo's mazy run had given City a 14th-minute lead, only for Benjamin Pavard to level after a defensive mix-up. The shootout proved costly, with Rayan Ait Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico González all missing from the spot. Claudio Echeverri's cheeky panenka was the sole successful conversion as Inter took the Asahi Super Dry Trophy with a 1-3 win on penalties.

There is little time for reflection. The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, and Omar Marmoush on Saturday, all of whom should be available for selection. Their presence should add some steel to a side that, while dominant in possession against Inter — averaging 64% — lacked a cutting edge at times.

Vitor Reis led the shot count with four efforts, while Khusanov, despite his penalty miss, was the most prolific passer with 84 completed. Mubama, meanwhile, sits as the tour's top scorer with his single goal, a modest tally that speaks to the team's ongoing search for rhythm.

The All Stars' Pedigree

The K-League All Stars are no strangers to testing themselves against European opposition. Since 1991, the fixture has been a celebration of South Korean football, pitting the league's standout performers against the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Tottenham, Atlético Madrid, and Newcastle United. Last year, they beat the Magpies 1-0. Their record against foreign European clubs stands at two wins, three defeats, and a draw.

The hosts' squad features a blend of local talent and overseas imports, including the experienced Kim Young-gwon and Brazilian forward Cesinha, among a list of 22 players.

Kick-off is at 12:00 BST on Wednesday morning, with coverage in the UK on City+. Maresca is scheduled to face the media on Tuesday from 12:30 BST, where he may offer further insight into his plans for the fixture. For now, the focus is simple: get the first win of the new era on the board.

Manchester City have been busy. Four new faces have already arrived at the Etihad this summer — Elliot Anderson, Mathys Detourbet, Jeremy Monga and Pierce Charles — and the club show no signs of slowing down.

The latest developments point to a midfield reshuffle and a fresh option between the sticks, with two deals moving in tandem.

Bouaddi Agreement Reached, But Sticking Point Remains

Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille and Morocco midfielder, has emerged as City's principal candidate to fill the void left by Rodri. The Blues have agreed a long-term arrangement with the player, according to TEAMtalk, with a move to Manchester in the pipeline.

But there is a catch. Lille want to keep the France Under-21 international on loan for the rest of the season as part of any deal, a proposal City have so far resisted. The Blues want Bouaddi in Enzo Maresca's squad immediately, not in 12 months' time.

The situation is complicated by Rodri's own future. The Ballon d'Or winner has entered the final year of his contract and is reportedly keen on a move to Real Madrid. City risk losing their midfield anchor this summer, which would make Bouaddi's arrival all the more pressing.

Rulli Bid Submitted as Trafford Heads for Exit

Meanwhile, City have made their first official bid for Geronimo Rulli. Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday morning that the club had sent an offer to Olympique Marseille for the Argentine goalkeeper.

Rulli has been identified as the preferred replacement for James Trafford, who is closing in on a move to Leeds United. Romano had previously stated City wanted Rulli as their new backup keeper, with the player keen on the switch and Marseille aware of the interest. Negotiations between the clubs are now underway.

It is a busy window at the Etihad, and the picture is becoming clearer — but the Bouaddi situation still needs resolving before City can finalise their plans.

Manchester City and Lille are telling two very different stories about the future of Ayyoub Bouaddi, leaving supporters to pick through the scraps for clarity.

According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, City have taken “a significant step” towards signing the 18-year-old, with personal terms already agreed between the parties.

And yet, across the Channel, Lille's public positioning suggests matters are far from settled. The two clubs' accounts of proceedings are so far apart that it is difficult to know which version reflects reality.

What is clear is that City have identified a young midfielder they rate highly, and they have made their move. Whether that move lands before the window closes is another question entirely.

All of this, of course, is playing out with Real Madrid's pursuit of Rodri continuing to run in parallel. The noise around the Etihad's midfield shows no sign of quietening.

With under a year left on his contract, Rodri's future at Manchester City is far from certain. Real Madrid are pushing hard to bring the Spanish midfielder back to the capital, and the clock is ticking.

Sky Sports have reported that a bid in the region of £50million is expected but is yet to materialise. Forbes, however, claim that City have set their selling price for the 30-year-old at £75million. That gap is significant, and it leaves the Blues in a tricky spot.

Rodri has just turned 30, and his contract expires in June 2027. If City don't sell now, they risk losing him for nothing in a year's time. But selling a player of his calibre is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially given what he has meant to this side.

Injury Woes and a Reduced Role

The 2025/26 campaign was a difficult one for Rodri on a personal level. After returning from a lengthy lay-off with a ruptured ACL, he suffered several injuries last season. Since his comeback in the penultimate league game of the 2024/25 season, he has been sidelined for 134 days, missing 27 games combined for club and country.

His league appearances tell the story: just 21 in the Premier League, averaging 72 minutes per game. That is the lowest number of league appearances he has recorded over a season, barring the campaign he ruptured his ACL, since his breakout season at Villarreal a decade ago.

To add to the concerns, Rodri has also undergone back surgery since Spain's World Cup final victory, which will likely see him miss City's opening fixture against Bournemouth.

The Madrid Factor

Real Madrid's interest is not new. Rodri openly courted them last season, saying in an interview whilst on international duty with Spain: 'I'd like to return, yes, obviously. For me, LaLiga is where I started. I still follow it, it's true not as much as before, but I still follow it.'

Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, came under fire during the World Cup due to Spain having no representatives from the country's most successful team. The club's recent transfer strategy has been to snap up top talent on frees, with Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate all arriving without a fee in the past few seasons. They clearly see an opportunity here.

According to Forbes, Madrid don't want to pay over £50million for Rodri. That is well below City's valuation, and it is hard to see the Blues budging easily.

Looking Ahead

If City do decide to cash in, they would be miraculously recording a profit on a player they signed as a 23-year-old for £62.8 million. That is not a bad return, even if it feels like selling the family silver.

There are options out there. Elliot Anderson, an impressive midfielder who shone for Nottingham Forest last season and England over the summer, is one name being mentioned. Per 90 minutes of league football last season, he made more tackles, interceptions, blocks, dribbles and won more duels than Rodri, though he doesn't match him in areas such as passing and aerial prowess.

Ayyoub Bouaddi is another. The incredibly talented holding player started five of Morocco's six World Cup matches after a fantastic breakout season for Lille, and rumours spreading across social media claim his transfer to Manchester will likely cost City over £85million.

The coming weeks will be telling. Whether City hold firm on their £75million valuation or accept something closer to Madrid's offer, one thing is certain: this is a decision that will shape the midfield for years to come.

The two men shaping the public debate over Rodri's future at Manchester City are offering sharply different timelines for his departure.

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, now running a football consultancy that advises elite clubs, insists the midfielder will not leave the Etihad before January at the very earliest. Speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he suggested the saga will drag on beyond the summer window, which closes on 3 September.

"I don't think he's going to leave City until at least the winter at the very earliest, and I think he may well stay with City for the rest of the season," Wyness said.

His reasoning centres on Rodri's recovery from back surgery. "We've got to see his rehab and how he comes out of this back surgery. There are things that have got to be assessed in terms of that," he added.

Wyness, who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009, believes City will hold firm and make life difficult for Real Madrid, who have been extensively linked with the 30-year-old. He does not think a deal can be done quickly enough for this summer.

City appear increasingly likely to lose Rodri when his contract expires in June 2027, with little hope of an extension being agreed.

That view sits in direct contrast to Stefan Borson, a former City financial advisor. Borson has told Football Insider he expects Rodri to leave before the start of the season, and believes the club are content to let him go for £64million (€75m) rather than hold out for more.

Borson is adamant Rodri is worth at least £85m even given his contract situation, but is in no doubt City won't get that in today's market. He feels the writing is on the wall and an exit could happen sooner rather than later.

Two men who know the club's finances well, then, are reading the same situation in opposite ways. One sees him gone before the season kicks off; the other thinks he will still be a City player come Christmas. Either way, the clock is ticking on a decision that could shape City's midfield for years.

Mateo Kovacic has ended speculation over his future by confirming he will remain at Manchester City this summer. The midfielder's decision follows direct conversations with new boss Enzo Maresca and the club's hierarchy, with the 32-year-old insisting he never sensed any doubt about his place in the squad.

Speaking to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Kovacic was candid about the reassurance those talks provided. "I didn't feel question marks from them," he said. "I spoke with them, they count on me, which was important to hear from them."

"And now for the players it's always on you to show your best version, because if you're playing good, the manager will put you first."

The former Chelsea man arrived at the Etihad in the summer of 2023 and has since collected a Premier League title, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup across three seasons. His contract runs until 2027, and he is now confirmed as part of the squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

At 32, with a Champions League, Premier League and two domestic cups already in the cabinet, Kovacic might have been forgiven for eyeing a fresh challenge. Instead, he appears settled, and the message from Maresca is clear: form decides selection, not reputation.

Ayyoub Bouaddi's future has been one of the quieter subplots of City's summer, but Lille president Olivier Létang has now publicly poured cold water on the idea of a swift departure. The 18-year-old midfielder, identified by City's director of football Hugo Viana as a long-term target, is likely to remain in France, according to Létang.

City's interest has been anything but casual. CEO Ferran Soriano met Létang in person back in June to talk through the mechanics of a deal, and a fee in the region of £67m to £84m had been mooted. A loan-back arrangement for the 2026-27 season was taking shape as a compromise both sides could live with.

That all sounds like a transfer edging towards completion. Létang's latest remarks suggest otherwise.

"I told you last time I thought Ayyoub was going to stay, and I still stand by that," he said. "The idea remains the same: to have a competitive team."

The Lille chief was explicit about the conditions under which a sale could happen. "If clubs come in at the end of the transfer window for a particular position and we're not in a position to replace, we won't go ahead with the deal."

There is, though, a sense that this is not simply a club digging in for its own sake. Létang insists Bouaddi himself is in no rush to move. "We're in regular contact with Ayyoub; he's not in a hurry to leave, he's very keen to stay here too."

For an 18-year-old, the appeal of staying is obvious. "When you're 18 and at a club like LOSC, opportunity to play a significant number of matches including in the Champions League you naturally ask yourself, why leave now?"

City's pursuit of Bouaddi comes in the wake of a busy summer that saw the club break its transfer record with the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. That outlay may have raised expectations of further spending, but Lille's stance suggests this particular deal could stall unless the picture changes late in the window.

Létang, for his part, left the door ajar without committing to anything. "I'll let him speak for himself when the time is right."

The summer has brought change at the Etihad, with Enzo Maresca taking over from Pep Guardiola. For most of the squad, that means adapting to new ideas and new demands. For Rico Lewis, it means something else entirely: a reunion with a coach who already knows exactly what he is about.

The pair go back a few years. Lewis broke into the first team during the treble-winning campaign of 2022-23, the same season Maresca was serving as Guardiola's assistant. It was a brief overlap, but a meaningful one.

"When he was with us in the Treble season, most of the time after sessions he would take me do individual sessions which I really appreciated."

That connection matters now. Maresca, like Guardiola before him, knows the strengths and weaknesses of Lewis' game intimately. The difference is that Maresca isn't Guardiola, and the Italian may have a different take altogether on what the young defender offers.

Versatility as a double-edged sword

Lewis' flexibility has always been his calling card. In the first friendly of pre-season against Inter Milan, he started at right-back before shifting into midfield for the second half. The switch suited him — he looked considerably more comfortable in the middle of the park.

That adaptability, though, may have cost him under the previous regime. Being useful in two roles can sometimes mean being essential in neither, and last season Lewis found himself sliding down the pecking order at City.

Now there is a chance to reset. The new manager has yet to confirm where Lewis fits into his plans, and the player himself admits the topic hasn't come up in conversation.

"We've not spoken about the position I'll play yet but I played full-back and midfield the other day [against Inter], so that gives me an idea of what he's thinking."

Ready for whatever comes

Lewis isn't fussy about the details. What matters to him is being on the pitch.

"I will speak to him but I just want to play. That's the main thing for me, I just want to be playing football and helping the team."

His ability to operate in two positions could prove valuable to a manager building his own identity. Whether that means more minutes remains to be seen, but the relationship is there, the trust is there, and the versatility is there.

Sometimes a fresh start is all a player needs.