Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks to his players before the start of extra time during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Manchester City 2025-26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect and More

Bernardo Silva was named the new Manchester City captain by Pep Guardiola with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland as the club vice-captains.

After missing out on a historic fifth successive Premier League crown last season, Manchester City enter the 2025/26 campaign determined to reclaim their throne. Pep Guardiola’s men finished third behind Liverpool and Arsenal in what was a disappointing season.

City were knocked out early in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last season. They also suffered a stunning FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, a shock exit to Al Hilal in the Club World Cup last-16 was a tough pill to swallow for Guardiola’s men. As a result, the trophyless season triggered questions about the team’s direction under Guardiola. However, expectations are high for a strong response this time around.

Forza City 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/FD4Yo5bZFX
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2025

Man City New Signings and Team Updates

The summer transfer window has seen significant movement at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City have invested over £300 million to strengthen their squad and prepare for life after midfield legend Kevin De Bruyne and long-time right-back Kyle Walker both left the club at the end of last season.

Rodri, who suffered a minor injury at the Club World Cup, has returned to training and is expected to start the season fully fit. Rodri’s importance to City has only grown over the years, with Guardiola openly acknowledging the team’s struggles in his absence last year. If fully fit, Rodri’s presence will be a big boost for Man City in the upcoming season. Among the new arrivals at City are:

James Trafford (Burnley) – The 22-year old goalkeeper returns to Manchester City from Burnley in £27m deal and will provide competition for Ederson and potentially succeed him in the long term.

Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan) – A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Reijnders is expected to help fill De Bruyne’s creative void. The Dutch international was named Serie A’s best midfielder for the 2024/25 season after a breakout season where he scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists across all competitions. Manchester City signed him for €55 million from AC Milan.

Rayan Cherki (Lyon) – Signed from Olympique Lyon, Rayan Cherki arrives in Manchester with plenty of expectations. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder impressed in Ligue 1, racking up 32 goal contributions in 44 appearances last season. Cherki brings creativity and technical brilliance to Manchester City’s attack. Whether deployed centrally or out wide, Cherki could be Guardiola’s secret weapon as the City team transitions into a new era.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves) – A solid left-back who can offer defensive consistency and attacking support down the flank. Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of the Premier League’s most attacking full-backs last season, racking up four goals and seven assists. Notably, the Egyptian had more goal involvements than any other defender in the league.

What To Expect in 2025–26

Manchester City enter the 2025-26 season in a rare position, as a team with something to prove. With plenty of new faces, Guardiola’s men are poised to challenge for major honors again. Bernardo Silva was named the new Manchester City captain by Pep Guardiola with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland as the club vice-captains.

Due to their participation in the Club World Cup, Manchester City’s pre-season preparations were delayed. Players were granted time off and only one public friendly has scheduled against Palermo on August 10th. That match is expected to provide the clearest indication of Guardiola’s tactical setup and preferred XI ahead of the season opener against Wolves on August 16th.

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While Guardiola’s core philosophy is intact, the squad is clearly undergoing a transition phase. Defensively, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake are expected to form the foundation of the City backline. The City midfield will revolve around Rodri, Reijnders and Bernardo Silva this season while Foden, Cherki, and Doku will offer creativity further up the pitch. The biggest question heading into the season is whether Erling Haaland can rediscover his elite scoring form. After scoring 31 goals in 44 appearances last season, the Norwegian striker will enter the new campaign with a point to prove.

City are back, City are back! 📣👋 pic.twitter.com/orVvsu3AQs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2025

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Manchester City

Pep Guardiola

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.