Manchester City’s summer signings are already making waves at the Club World Cup, providing Pep Guardiola with plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of the new season.
SoftFootball understands that Reijnders and Cherki made full debuts in City’s opening 2-0 win over Wydad, while Ait-Nouri started in the 6-0 demolition of Al-Ain. Guardiola has praised all three describing Cherki’s brief but brilliant cameo as “mesmeric” and packed with creativity.
Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri have each delivered encouraging performances in their early outings, according to City expert Steven McInerney.
Ait-Nouri has been lauded as a much-needed presence on the left flank, offering dynamism City lacked last season. Meanwhile, Reijnders is being touted as a smart, physical midfield technician—someone who could fill the void left by Gundogan’s departure more convincingly than previous signing Matheus Nunes.
The Club World Cup is also serving as a testing ground for returnees like Rodri and Oscar Bobb. McInerney noted the strong competition for places across the squad, including in defence and attack, with Guardiola rotating heavily—making 11 changes between group games.
McInerney believes the current atmosphere feels closer to pre-season, allowing players space to find form without intense scrutiny. The broader focus remains on squad integration, tactical sharpening, and identifying breakout performers before the tougher stages of the competition and the new domestic campaign.
With Guardiola’s refresh strategy clearly in motion, City fans have reasons to be excited about the blend of youth, talent, and adaptability surging through their revamped lineup.
As earlier reported by SoftFootball, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has opened up about his road to recovery after a lengthy injury layoff, admitting it could take “months” before he fully regains his best form. Since then, Pep Guardiola has been carefully easing Rodri back into action.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri will likely feature from the bench again. City fans will be encouraged by Rodri’s return, even in a limited role, as the influential midfielder works toward regaining full form ahead of the new Premier League campaign.