Maresca hints at more Manchester City signings before transfer window closes
By Joel Masibo, August 1, 2026Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed the Premier League champions remain active in the transfer market and are planning to strengthen their squad further before the summer transfer window shuts.
Speaking in Hong Kong ahead of City’s opening pre-season match against Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Italian coach revealed that the club is assessing several options as preparations continue for the new campaign.
City have already completed the signing of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but Maresca suggested that more arrivals are expected before squads for the opening part of the season are finalised.
The manager acknowledged that discussions are ongoing between the coaching staff and club officials as they work to identify suitable additions.
“We are talking with Hugo and the club about some targets,” Maresca said.
He stressed that transfer activity remains unpredictable during the window and indicated that City are keeping their options open.
“It is a normal situation when the transfer window is open – anything can happen. For sure, we are going to do something but we are looking at different positions.”
Maresca’s comments suggest Manchester City are keen to reinforce multiple areas of the squad rather than focusing on a single position as they prepare to defend their domestic title and compete across several competitions.
The transfer window remains open until Monday, September 1,, 2026, giving the club several weeks to complete additional deals.
Notable absentees
Meanwhile, some players have not travelled to Asia for the pre-season. Jack Grealish has not been included in Enzo Maresca’s travelling squad for the club’s preparations ahead of the new campaign, with the England international continuing his recovery from a long-term injury.
Maresca has selected a 28-player squad for the trip, but Grealish’s absence has attracted attention amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Meanwhile, City are continuing their pre-season tour of Asia. They begin their preparations with a clash against Italian champions Inter in Hong Kong before travelling to South Korea to face a K League All-Stars side. The tour will conclude with another high-profile fixture against Atletico Madrid as Maresca continues to assess his squad ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season.