Manchester City's new era under Enzo Maresca has started with a jolt. A 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the Principality Stadium set a sobering tone, and the fallout has only deepened since. Jeremy Doku sustained an injury during that match and is now ruled out of the Premier League opener against AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad on August 23, leaving Maresca short of attacking options at the very start of his tenure.
The bigger structural problem is in midfield. Rodri has completed a £65m move to Barcelona, ending a seven-year spell at the club, and City have so far failed to replace him. Their pursuit of Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez stalled after they missed a club-imposed deadline to submit a bid, with Chelsea holding firm on a £120m valuation. City have not walked away, but time is running short before the window closes.
Off the pitch, the 115 financial charges case continues to cast a shadow. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters publicly acknowledged the delay since the hearing concluded in late 2024, describing it as frustrating while insisting the independent process is being followed. No verdict date has been set.
Former goalkeeper Joe Hart has pointed to managing internal expectations as City's biggest challenge following Pep Guardiola's exit, a departure that Guardiola himself has now suggested may be permanent, admitting exhaustion and uncertainty about ever returning to management. City head into their season opener carrying real questions about squad depth, midfield cover, and the identity of a team still finding its shape under a new manager.
Newcastle United have turned their attention toward the Etihad Stadium as they look to rebuild their engine room following a summer of high-profile exits. The Magpies are reportedly in active discussions with Manchester City over a potential deal for Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who has found consistent playing time difficult to come by under Enzo Maresca.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has publicly acknowledged the growing frustration surrounding the long-awaited verdict on Manchester City’s 115 alleged financial breaches. Despite the hearing concluding in late 2024, a final decision has yet to be reached, prompting Masters to address these ongoing delays while assuring fans that the standard independent process is being followed.
Rodrigo Hernández has officially been presented as a Barcelona player and opened up about his decision to join the Catalan giants. The Spanish midfielder, who signed a contract until 2030 after leaving Manchester City, admitted he had another major offer from Real Madrid on the table, but insisted that moving to the Spotify Camp Nou was always his absolute priority this summer.
Manchester City’s preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign have been rocked by the news that Jeremy Doku is set for a spell on the sidelines. The Belgian international sustained an injury during the Community Shield and is now certain to miss the opening fixture of the season.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has offered a fascinating insight into the transitional period awaiting the Etihad giants following Pep Guardiola's departure. The former England international believes that while external noise will be deafening, the club's internal expectations will be managed carefully as Enzo Maresca takes the reins.
Fermin Lopez has admitted to feeling a sense of sadness after agreeing to hand over his number 16 shirt to incoming superstar Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder is on the verge of completing a blockbuster return to Spain as Hansi Flick continues to reshape his Blaugrana squad.
Can I buy Manchester City tickets without a membership?
You must be a club member to purchase an official ticket through the club to see Manchester City play at the Etihad Stadium.
There are two types of Cityzens memberships – Matchday Membership, for adults (ages 18 and above) between £25 and £35, and Junior Membership, for youth supporters (ages 17 and below) at £20.
Memberships offer fans a range of benefits, from priority access to tickets to a discount in the club shop.
Adult
Full Price: £35
Base Membership: £25
Junior
Full Price: £20
How can I buy Manchester City season tickets?
To buy a Manchester City season ticket, you must first be a Cityzens Matchday or Junior Member, as season tickets are not sold to the general public. However, season tickets for the 2025/26 season are currently sold out, and only a limited number of Flexi Season Tickets were offered to eligible members based on their match attendance history and purchase activity.
Renewals for existing ticket holders have closed, and new tickets will not be widely available until at least the 2026/27 season, when the Etihad Stadium expansion is expected to release more seats.
To prepare for future availability, you should purchase a Cityzens Matchday Membership through the official Manchester City website and attend as many home games as possible. Priority for season tickets is based on loyalty and attendance, so building your history now increases your chances.
Flexi Season Tickets, which offer a more flexible commitment while still providing benefits, are another route, but also subject to eligibility.
How hard is it to get Manchester City football match tickets?
Due to high demand, getting your hands on Premier League tickets for Manchester City matches is not easy, though it is typically not as tough as it is for their rivals.
Unsurprisingly, that can lead many fans to head to secondary resale sites such as StubHub in their efforts to bag tickets, though even then, it is not a foregone conclusion.
The best way to get tickets for Manchester City matches is to ensure you have a membership and browse the individual match options available. Remember, games against lower Premier League opposition or non-rivals will likely be easier to find.
How do I buy cheap Manchester City tickets?
The best way to buy cheap Manchester City tickets is from the club's official website, looking for tickets in the more cost-friendly portions of the Etihad Stadium.
Second-hand resale sites such as StubHub and Ticombo may also offer cheap tickets at short notice, with prices likely at their lowest the closer you get to the game.
Can I book a tour of Etihad Stadium?
You can indeed book a tour around the Etihad Stadium. Several websites offer deals and discounts on tours around the Citizens' home.
RedLetterDays currently offer stadium tours from £28 for one adult through £72 for two adults and two children. The time lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes an interactive portion that allows guests to greet a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press room and access the club shop.