Manchester City head into the final stretch of pre-season with genuine momentum, but the situation surrounding Rodri continues to cast a shadow over their preparations. Enzo Maresca has confirmed the Ballon d'Or winner will return to training this week, yet Barcelona's pursuit shows no sign of cooling. City rejected a €50m offer for the midfielder, who enters the final year of his contract, and Real Madrid were also reportedly in the hunt before Rodri indicated his preference for a move to the Camp Nou. How that saga resolves will define much of City's midfield picture for the season ahead.
On the pitch, City closed their Asian tour on a high. Omar Marmoush scored twice in three minutes to turn a 1-0 deficit into a commanding 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, with Rayan Ait-Nouri adding a late third. The result reinforced a sense of attacking confidence under Maresca, and Ait-Nouri has been one of the standout performers throughout pre-season, publicly targeting a regular goal contribution from full-back.
Off the pitch, the squad rebuild continues at pace. City have agreed personal terms with Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi as Maresca reshapes his midfield, while Savinho is closing in on a £60m move to Tottenham. Geronimo Rulli has also arrived on a €2m deal as goalkeeper cover following James Trafford's departure. Maresca is additionally set to appoint a new club captain, scrapping the process used under Pep Guardiola, with Phil Foden among those pushing for the armband. The Community Shield against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium on August 16 now provides the first competitive test of where this evolving squad stands.
Real Madrid still love a ‘Galactico’, but ex-Blancos star Michael Owen has told GOAL that there is little chance of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland forming part of a fearsome frontline at Santiago Bernabeu. Instead, it is likely to remain a case of “one or the other” when it comes to superstar forwards that now operate in the same central striking position.
Manchester City are closing in on their next major summer signing after reaching a full agreement on personal terms with Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Morocco international has emerged as a primary target for Enzo Maresca as the Premier League champions undergo a significant midfield overhaul ahead of the new campaign.
Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has opened up on a summer of significant upheaval at the Camp Nou, following his successful return from a foot injury. The midfielder addressed the imminent departure of club captain Ronald Araujo, while providing his perspective on the ongoing transfer sagas involving Rodri and Ferran Torres.
Jack Grealish endured a “soul-destroying” injury last season, but the Manchester City-owned winger’s fellow West Midlands native Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why a “game-changing” talent can get his career back on track and potentially earn an England recall. For now, the 30-year-old forward faces a big decision on what his immediate future holds at club level.
Viktor Gyokeres has dismissed the idea that the upcoming Community Shield clash against Manchester City is merely a pre-season exhibition. The Arsenal striker is adamant that the Gunners are heading to Cardiff with the intention of securing silverware and laying down a definitive marker for the new campaign.
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.
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.