27-man Manchester City squad spotted in first pre-season training session of 2025/26 season | OneFootball

Manchester City’s return to pre-season training ahead of the 2025/26 campaign got underway in warm, sunny conditions on Monday with Pep Guardiola assembling a squad largely at full compliment.

There was no shortage of talking points from the first official club gallery issued to supporters this week, with several returning faces, new signings, and players with uncertain futures all spotted on the training pitches at the City Football Academy or involved in gym-based work.

With the club due to face Palermo in a friendly fixture on August 9 before kicking off their Premier League title challenge away to Wolves, the opening session marked the first visible step in Manchester City’s summer preparations.

Goalkeeping group remains strong for now

Eyes were on the goalkeepers on Monday amid an expected shake-up in the position this summer with Ederson – still the club’s No.1 despite Galatasaray interest – present and involved, as was Stefan Ortega, whose future remains uncertain with clubs monitoring his situation.

Also among the group was Marcus Bettinelli after the experienced shot-stopper arrived from Chelsea for a nominal fee earlier this summer to take on the role vacated by Scott Carson following the expiry of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

A deal for Burnley and England international James Trafford is expected to be finalised in the coming days, with the 22-year-old set to become the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time, beginning life back at Manchester City as Ederson’s deputy.

Defensive ranks feature key names and a few surprises

The defensive contingent was at full strength featuring Rico Lewis, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri – all under the watchful eye of new assistant Pepijn Lijnders and fitness coach Kolo Toure.

Young Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis – a £29.6 million signing from Palmeiras in January – was also part of the group, alongside fellow winter arrival Abdukodir Khusanov, who will be hoping to build upon an impressive start to life at the club.

Midfield options on full display despite absences

Manchester City’s midfield is the most stacked area of the pitch, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Nico Gonzalez, and new signing Tijjani Reijnders all featuring at the City Football Academy.

Ilkay Gündoğan was involved despite links to a possible move away from the Etihad Stadium, while James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly both trained – the former still subject to exit interest from England and Germany.

Summer recruit Rayan Cherki took part for the first time since completing his move from Lyon this summer, with the Frenchman involved in both technical drills and small-sided games.

Notably absent were Claudio Echeverri, who is still recovering from an injury sustained during the FIFA Club World Cup, and Mateo Kovacic, who is working his way back from Achilles surgery. Norwegian teenager Sverre Nypan seemingly missed out, having only just arrived and with an expected loan on the horizon.

Rodri was also not spotted in official club photos as he recovers from a minor injury sustained at the Club World Cup, while Kalvin Phillips – who is expected to leave this summer – continues to comeback from surgery on an Achilles injury.

Attacking line-up includes Grealish and City’s youthful flair

Up front, Erling Haaland led the way, joined by Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and Jack Grealish – the latter’s inclusion notable given he has been the subject of loan interest from multiple Premier League clubs this summer.

Exciting Brazilian forward Savinho, fresh off a debut campaign with the club, trained fully alongside new January attacking arrival Omar Marmoush. With Bobb returning from a long-term injury and Doku aiming to build on a promising debut season, Pep Guardiola will hope for healthy competition in the wide areas.

Jack Grealish’s pre-season status could prove key to his immediate future, while the form of Bobb and Marmoush may affect final decisions around outgoings.

What happens next?

Manchester City now continue their preparations at the City Football Academy for the next fortnight before flying out to Sicily for the Palermo clash, their only confirmed pre-season fixture at this stage.

Returning players will be given staggered match minutes depending on fitness levels, while Guardiola and his new-look staff – including James French and Kolo Toure – assess roles and opportunities ahead of the new campaign.

With multiple senior players potentially leaving before the transfer deadline, including Stefan Ortega, James McAtee, and Jack Grealish, these sessions offer an important opportunity for others to make their mark.