Enzo Maresca will welcome the first wave of Manchester City players to start pre-season training on Monday, July 20, 2026. The Italian, officially in position since the beginning of the month, will begin putting his squad through their paces at the City Football Academy.
World Cup Absentees and Returning Loanees
Given the World Cup has only just finished, most first-team stars will not be back in Manchester until later in the summer. This leaves Maresca with an intriguing group of players all with a point to prove, including several cast aside by Pep Guardiola during his tenure.
Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and Nico Gonzalez are among those who could move on but will report back this week. Grealish may not take part in training depending on the severity of the injury that cut his loan at Everton short last season, but he is making progress toward full fitness.
Youngsters and New Signings
Savinho was close to joining Tottenham last year and interest has reignited, yet he remains a City player and was not at the World Cup. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Phil Foden will look to put recent disappointments behind them. New signing Jeremy Monga will be a fresh face, already familiar with Maresca from their time at Leicester City.
Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis could force his way into Maresca's plans, while Claudio Echeverri disappointed last year with two difficult loans. Max Alleyne was recalled from Watford to help Guardiola out of a crisis and will stay until another loan is agreed. Goalkeeper Oli Whatmuff will work with City this month despite having already sorted a loan move to Stockport. Teenage winger Ryan McAidoo is among academy players expected to shine.
Upcoming Fixtures
Abdukodir Khusanov could be back this week after Uzbekistan were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage. Several stars who were in the United States will join City on their Asia tour. The Blues fly out on July 28 for three friendlies before returning to prepare for the Community Shield against Arsenal.
