Manchester City are entering a new era with genuine ambition, but a significant injury blow threatens to complicate their preparations. Rodri, the World Cup Golden Ball winner and Spain captain, is set to undergo back surgery after returning from international duty, casting real doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026-27 season. Losing their midfield anchor for any period would be a major test of depth for Maresca's squad.
The new head coach, Enzo Maresca, has inherited a club moving decisively in the transfer market. Elliot Anderson completed a £116m switch from Nottingham Forest, with the 23-year-old England midfielder wasting no time in declaring City the kings of Manchester. His arrival follows Anthony Gordon's move and reinforces the scale of the rebuild underway at the Etihad. Alongside that, the club has secured long-term commitments from Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Jeremy Doku, all tied down through new contracts as the squad is reshaped around a post-Guardiola identity.
City finished the 2025-26 Premier League season in second place with 78 points, seven behind champions Arsenal, after a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on the final day. That result underlines why reinforcement and fitness will matter so much. Real Madrid's public denial of any approach for Rodri adds a layer of uncertainty to his situation, and with John Stones also departing as a free agent, the defensive picture needs attention. A friendly against Inter on August 1 gives Maresca his first real look at his squad before the season begins.
With the new Premier League season now less than a month away from kicking off on August 21, pre-season friendlies are about to get into full swing as the majority of clubs jet off around the globe to ensure the best possible preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. However, due to the World Cup, a number of squads are far from full strength as those who reached the knockout rounds in North America enjoy some belated time off, creating opportunities for others to stake their claim for greater roles over the next 10 months.
Yan Diomande's future has become one of the summer's most closely watched transfer sagas, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid all reportedly prepared to match Liverpool's €100 million offer for the RB Leipzig winger, even as he waits to hear whether his preferred destination, Paris Saint-Germain, can turn interest into a concrete offer.
England midfielder Elliot Anderson has lit the fuse ahead of the new season by labelling Manchester City the "kings of Manchester" after completing his £116m switch from Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old made sure to note City's dominance over local rivals Manchester United in the last decade while looking forward to his new challenge at Etihad 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.
Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for England's defensive duo John Stones and Ezri Konsa as they look to navigate a major defensive blow. The Gunners have been rocked by the news that William Saliba is set for a significant spell on the sidelines with a back injury sustained during France's World Cup campaign.
Leeds United have opened negotiations with Manchester City over a permanent move for highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international is reportedly leaning towards a move to Elland Road after a difficult season acting as an understudy at the Etihad Stadium.
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.