Enzo Maresca took charge of his first Manchester City training session on Monday as the new manager began preparations for the upcoming domestic season. With the World Cup having concluded, many of City's top stars were absent, enjoying post-tournament breaks.
Among those present were Abdukodir Khusanov, who returned after Uzbekistan's group-stage exit in North America, as well as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish. The session also featured several returning loanees, including Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis, alongside a strong contingent of academy prospects.
Young players dominate training group
The training group consisted of 23 players, with 14 of them being youngsters looking to impress Maresca. Given the absence of first-team players who progressed deep into the World Cup, many of these academy talents are expected to feature in pre-season tours and matches.
Not all who trained on Monday will travel to Asia for friendlies against Inter Milan, the K-League All Stars, and Atletico Madrid, but opportunities will arise for many. Goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff, despite agreeing a loan move to League One Stockport County, is likely to be included in the travelling squad. With James Trafford absent and new signing Pierce Charles loaned to QPR, teenager Jack Wint has been added to the training group after impressing for the academy last season.
Defensive and midfield options
Defenders Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni, both of whom spent time on loan at Watford last season, could depart on loan again, though a fifth centre-back spot may open following Nathan Ake's departure. Left-back Christian McFarlane, 19, is another defensive option for Maresca to monitor after a strong Under-21 campaign.
Midfielder Floyd Samba, who was on the bench for the first team in last season's win over Salford City, will hope to stake his claim, alongside his brother Tyrone, a versatile forward capable of playing on both flanks and through the middle.
Attacking talents and new arrival
Xavier Parker and Ryan McAidoo have attracted transfer interest this summer, with McAidoo having scored on his City debut in an FA Cup win over Exeter City in January. Divine Mukasa, a highly-rated former West Ham player who has already featured for the first team, is tipped to make a more regular breakthrough after signing a contract extension following a loan spell at Leicester City.
Divin Mubama, who scored five goals in 20 starts for Stoke City in the Championship last season, including a hat-trick against Bristol City, faces a pivotal summer. Brooklyn Nfonkeu, who played mainly as a full-back for the Under-21s last season after coming through as a winger, is another to watch, while Mahamadou Sangare scored 15 goals in his first campaign with City after joining from PSG.
New arrival Jeremy Monga, who joined for £10 million from Leicester City this month, will tour with the first team. The 17-year-old was coming through the ranks in the Midlands while Maresca was in charge of the Leicester first team.
Maresca, who spent a year as City's Under-21 boss in 2021, already knows many of the club's emerging talents. He will give plenty of pre-season minutes to the young squad over the coming weeks, offering a huge chance for the next generation to stake their claim for future development.
