Manchester City squad arrives in Hong Kong for pre-season tour
Manchester City has arrived in Hong Kong, marking the start of their pre-season tour in the Far East. The team, led by manager Enzo Maresca, landed on Wednesday afternoon after a flight from Manchester. Upon arrival, the squad immediately engaged in a stretching session that included group games, focusing on recovery from the journey.
This tour is a significant step in the club’s preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 season, and it represents an early phase of the post-Pep Guardiola era under Maresca. The players are scheduled to begin pitch training on Thursday.
Tour Itinerary and Squad Details
The pre-season tour features three matches across the region. The first fixture is against Inter on Saturday, August 1, in Hong Kong. Following this, Manchester City will travel to South Korea for two additional games: one against a K League All Stars side on August 5, and another versus Atletico Madrid on August 9.
While several key players are absent due to their participation in the World Cup, the squad traveling to Asia is described as surprisingly strong. Players who represented England, Norway, Spain, and France at the tournament, including Rodri, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Elliot Anderson, are not with the team for the initial stages of the tour. These players are expected to rejoin the squad three to four days before the Community Shield match against Arsenal on Sunday, August 16, in Cardiff.
Despite these absences, Maresca will have the opportunity to work with many players who were central to the team last season. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Antoine Semenyo are among those believed to be in East Asia. Other notable players available for the tour include Gianluigi Donnarumma, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez, Marcus Bettinelli, Rico Lewis, and Savinho. Additionally, Abdukodir Khusanov, Matheus Nunes, Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Ait-Nouri are expected to join for at least part of the tour.
Kalvin Phillips is also part of the touring squad. A decision regarding Jack Grealish‘s participation will be made later, as he is recovering from foot surgery in February.
Opportunities for Emerging Talent
The tour provides a platform for Maresca to assess the squad, particularly the younger players. With seven first-team players missing, there is an increased chance for emerging talents from the club’s academy to make an impression. The club’s academy has consistently developed players, and this pre-season period offers these individuals a chance to demonstrate their potential to the new manager.
Maresca has expressed his intent to help players like Phil Foden return to their peak form. He stated that it is his duty to assist Foden, who is a fan of the club, in enjoying football and performing at his best. Maresca also acknowledged his relationship with Jack Grealish, noting that Grealish is currently a Manchester City player and that he aims to coach all players belonging to the club.
Off the pitch, director of football Hugo Viana is expected to be active in addressing several squad issues before the Premier League campaign commences with a home match against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23. This includes ongoing discussions regarding Rodri, who is reportedly of interest to Real Madrid. The club is also targeting new signings, including a right-back, a winger, and additional midfield reinforcements.
The new Manchester City away kit is scheduled for launch in Hong Kong later this week.
Source: mancity.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
