Manchester City are entering a new chapter under Enzo Maresca, and the opening weeks have brought as much turbulence in the transfer market as anticipation on the pitch. The Italian, who has publicly embraced the pressure of succeeding Pep Guardiola, will take charge of his first competitive fixture on Sunday when City face Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium, a match that arrives with serious squad uncertainty hanging over the club.
The biggest story is Rodri. Barcelona have set a 48-hour deadline to finalise a deal worth around €80 million, and the Spain international has already asked the club for permission to skip training as he pushes to accelerate his exit. City have twice rejected Barcelona's bids, holding firm on their valuation, but the player's public desire to leave puts Maresca in a difficult position heading into the season.
Elsewhere, winger Savinho missed training on Thursday amid reported illness, though Tottenham are closing in on a £60 million deal for the Brazilian, adding another potential departure to an already unsettled window. Tijjani Reijnders is also set to leave for Al Qadsiah in a £51 million sale after just one season.
On the positive side, six World Cup players returned to training ahead of the Arsenal fixture, Jeremy Doku signed a new five-year contract, and record signing Elliot Anderson has spoken with clear ambition about his role in Maresca's squad. City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in their final pre-season outing, offering at least some encouragement before the competitive action begins.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered an optimistic fitness bulletin regarding several of his key stars as the Gunners prepare to kick off their season. With a high-stakes Community Shield encounter against Manchester City looming, the Spaniard has offered clarity on who will be ready to feature at the Millennium Stadium.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has embraced the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola as he prepares to lead the club into a new era ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The Italian tactician insisted he is fully aware of the demands at the Etihad Stadium, with silverware firmly in his sights ahead of Sunday's Community Shield.
Manchester City winger Savinho has fueled further speculation regarding his future after being a notable absentee from first-team training on Thursday. While the Brazilian is officially sidelined with illness, the development comes at a critical time as Tottenham ramp up their efforts to secure his signature before the transfer window slams shut.
Manchester City have secured a major coup in the youth market by tying down highly-rated midfield sensation Xavier Parker to a new long-term contract. The 16-year-old, who was the subject of intense interest from several European heavyweights, has officially committed his future to the Premier League champions.
Barcelona have set a strict 48-hour deadline to finalise a blockbuster deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spain international has already informed City of his desire to join the Catalan giants, with Joan Laporta stepping in to seal an agreement close to €80 million.
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.