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Man City make two squad decisions on eve of new season

· Alex James · 2026-08-15T12:09:22+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Manchester City's squad is beginning to look a little clearer as the Blues prepare for the new Premier League season. City are in Cardiff this weekend for the Community Shield against Arsenal as Enzo Maresca prepares to go head-to-head with Mikel Arteta in a battle of the leading two teams in the country from last season. The Blues have a near-fully-fit squad to choose from with only Ryan McAidoo (shoulder) and Savinho (illness) doubts for the game. City still have a number of squad questions to answer ahead of what looks set to be a frantic final fortnight in the transfer window with a host of moving parts. Tijjani Reijnders is closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League while Rodri is likely to follow his fellow midfielder out of the door. Savinho and Jack Grealish could also depart and those exits will prompt a flurry of arrivals with the Blues keen on Enzo Fernandez and working on a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi. One area where City are settled and well-stocked is at centre back. Ruben Dias is poised to captain the side against Arsenal while Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol are excellent options in the middle of the backline And it now looks like Vitor Reis will supplement that quartet as the fifth centre back with the Brazilian having travelled on the pre-season tour of Asia. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Girona and made clear his intent to come back and fight for a spot in the City squad this season. Maresca has been suitably impressed with the young defender and Reis looks poised to remain at the Etihad past deadline day, even if no guarantees can be set, such is the nature of the transfer window. Reis' good news means that Juma Bah is set for another spell away from the Etihad. The 20-year-old was another candidate for the fifth centre back slot having spent the past two seasons playing in France with Lens and Nice. But he was left out of the tour squad and was not present at City's open training session on Thursday amid links with a move to Premier League new boys Ipswich Town. Bah's departure would follow the loan exit of Max Alleyne, who left City on a season-long deal for Burnley this week. The Blues also have Stephen Mfuni as an option with the 18-year-old, who went on tour with the senior squad, impressing at Watford in the Championship in the second half of last season before injury prematurely ended his campaign. The Hornets are keen to re-sign the centre back, who can also play at left back, for next term.