City’s players not involved in the World Cup are due back for pre-season in mid-July. With Maresca not yet installed, anyone weighing up their future has been left in limbo, having had no chance to meet the new head coach.
Recruitment has continued regardless: City have had two offers turned down for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and are expected to return with another bid. Their pursuit of an England international is also set to proceed with Maresca’s approval as the club seeks a replacement for departing captain Bernardo Silva.
City Xtra’s Freddie Pye told BBC Sport that, with pre-season not starting until next month and initially limited to non-World Cup players, a delayed announcement likely hasn’t cost City, as Maresca is expected to be closely involved in planning. He added that City’s pitch to targets is compelling regardless of the head coach—while acknowledging Guardiola’s pull—thanks to a winning project, immediate trophy prospects, top facilities, and the feel of a new era. However, some current players may view Guardiola’s exit as the end of a chapter and could be more inclined to move on after the club’s recent successes.