Premier League 2026-27 preview No 15: Manchester City
With the departures of Pep Guardiola and Rodri it looks like the end of an era at City. Will Enzo Maresca be able to sustain their position as a domestic and continental superpower?
TL;DR
- Enzo Maresca takes over as manager, tasked with continuing Manchester City's success after Pep Guardiola's departure.
- Rodri's transfer to Barcelona is a significant loss, impacting the team's midfield capabilities.
- John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Bernardo Silva have also left the club.
- Elliot Anderson has been signed for £116m after impressing at the World Cup.
- Manchester City denies 130 charges of alleged Premier League rule breaches.
- The Etihad Stadium capacity has increased to 61,000 with the addition of the Pep Guardiola Stand.
- Ticket prices have been frozen for a third consecutive season, with new flexi season tickets selling out.
- Maresca previously won the Championship with Leicester and European trophies with Chelsea.
- Anderson has a key opportunity to establish himself in City's midfield.
- The team conceded more league goals from set pieces last season, an area Maresca needs to address.
- Young defender Vitor Reis is being developed, with potential shown during loan spells.
- Rayan Cherki's role alongside Phil Foden is uncertain.