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See the full story · 1 sourcesThere is an opening in the Manchester City squad for a young player to seize
The Manchester City squad will embark on their 2026-27 preseason tour of Asia on Tuesday. Enzo Maresca and his team will continue their preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. City will play three friendlies against Inter Milan, the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid while on tour. Due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several of Manchester City’s stars will not be participating in their tour of Asia while they rest and recover. Instead, Enzo Maresca will get to assess a host of young and fringe players during the preseason tour.
Given that there is a vacancy on the wing that needs to be filled, there is an opportunity for one of Manchester City’s youngsters to stake their case for that particular role. Here are four players who could play their way into contention during Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia.
Divine Mukasa
Earlier this summer, Divine Mukasa signed a contract extension with Manchester City which runs until 2030. Mukasa made six appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last season before spending the second half of last season out on loan with Leicester City. Mukasa showed flashes of his talent in the Championship and he should have returned to City with a better understanding of what it takes to play at the highest level.
Manchester City wouldn’t have handed Mukasa a contract extension if they didn’t have high hopes for him. Last season, he spent considerable time training with Pep Guardiola’s squad, learning what is required of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Those lessons, coupled with what he learned in the Championship, could set Mukasa up for a big 2026-27 season. Divine Mukasa is a supremely gifted technical player and if he develops as expected, with his eye for a killer ball, dribbling and ability to play and thrive in tight spaces plus his eye for goal, he could become an exceptional player.
Also, Divine Mukasa is a versatile player who can play as a number ten, on either wing or as a false nine. This, coupled with his talent, could see Enzo Maresca take a good look at him in Asia. If Mukasa can impress, he may well play himself into contention for a first team role.
Ryan McAidoo
Last season saw Ryan McAidoo make his senior appearances for Manchester City. He made two appearances in Manchester City’s successful FA Cup run scoring his first goal in the process.
McAidoo typically operates on the right wing and his ability to cut inside with his elite dribbling, close control and pace has him earmarked as a player for the future for Manchester City. Perhaps the future may arrive a lot sooner for McAidoo. City do need a right winger and Ryan McAidoo looks ready for first team football. He has served his apprenticeship in City’s Elite Development System. He looks destined to play first team football somewhere during the 2026-27 season.
If Ryan McAidoo can impress in Asia, he should have the opportunity to do so given that he plays on the right wing, he could force his way into Enzo Maresca’s plans. McAidoo has the talent and an opportunity may be about to come his way. He now has to impress in Asia as he seems destined to be given that chance in Manchester City’s upcoming friendlies.
Claudio Echeverri
Perhaps a left-field candidate for a role in Enzo Maresca’s squad for next season is Claudio Echeverri. The 2025-26 season was a frustrating experience for the Argentinian. He never got a chance at Bayer Leverkusen in the first half of last season and he was primarily used as an impact substitute at Girona when he was loaned out to them for the second half of last season.
However, the experience of last season may be exactly what Echeverri needed. He now knows how tough European football can be no matter how talented a player is. There is a possibility that Echeverri has returned to Manchester City as a more hardened professional. Echeverri’s talent is obvious. He thrives in possession and his speed, direct dribbling, and ability to bamboozle defenders make him a tantalizing prospect as a player.
Like McAidoo and Mukasa, if Claudio Echeverri travels to Asia, he should get opportunities to show what he can bring to Enzo Maresca’s side. If Claudio Echeverri puts his best foot forward, he may show that there is a role to play for at Manchester City next season rather than going out on loan as expected.
Jeremy Monga
Manchester City completed the signing of Jeremy Monga from Leicester City earlier in the transfer window. Monga has played first team football and the 17-year-old winger will be hoping he can build on an impressive start to his young career with Enzo Maresca’s side. It doesn’t seem likely that City have signed Monga to play him in their youth sides. Perhaps how he performs in Asia may dictate what lies in wait for Jeremy Monga this upcoming season.
Jeremy Monga is an electric player who can play on either wing or behind a striker. His lightning pace, creativity and ability to split an opponent’s defence by driving through them in possession or playing through them with his eye for a pass and goal have seen him become one of the most sought-after young English players. City won the race to sign him and if he can display enough in Manchester City’s upcoming preseason friendlies it may indicate that Monga is set for a bigger role in Enzo Maresca’s squad next season than previously thought.
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