Manchester City have welcomed six first-team players back from loan spells as new manager Enzo Maresca begins a comprehensive evaluation of his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
With pre-season preparations underway at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca is using the return of several experienced and emerging players to determine who fits into his plans for the club’s next chapter. The assessment comes during a summer of significant transition, with the Italian tasked with rebuilding City following the end of Pep Guardiola’s era.
Among the returning players are Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji, Vitor Reis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, alongside another loanee whose temporary spell has now concluded. Each player returns with varying levels of experience and differing prospects for the coming campaign, making the next few weeks particularly important.
For Grealish and Phillips, the pre-season could represent a final opportunity to convince Maresca they still have a future at Manchester City. Both endured mixed loan spells and now face fierce competition for places in a squad expected to undergo further changes before the transfer window closes.
Young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis is viewed as one of the club’s brightest prospects and is expected to receive close attention during training. Maresca has reportedly considered integrating the teenager into the senior squad after his development away from the Etihad, potentially giving him a chance to establish himself in the first team.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand also returns hoping to impress after gaining valuable first-team experience on loan, while Manuel Akanji’s situation will be monitored closely as City evaluate their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
The returning players will join City’s established stars as Maresca implements his tactical philosophy during pre-season. Training sessions and friendly matches are expected to play a decisive role in determining which players remain part of the squad and which could depart permanently or on another loan.
Manchester City have already been active in the transfer market, reinforcing key areas while also reshaping the coaching staff to support Maresca’s vision for the future. The manager has stressed the importance of creating a balanced, competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours once again.
With several positions still up for grabs, the return of the six loanees adds another layer of intrigue to City’s pre-season. Their performances over the coming weeks could prove decisive as Maresca finalises his squad for the new Premier League campaign.
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