Manchester City transfer: 3 Super Eagles stars perfect fit for new boss Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca has officially returned to Manchester City as the club’s new manager after signing a three-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Italian replaces Pep Guardiola, whose successful 10-year spell ended in May 2026. Manchester City paid Chelsea £17 million in compensation to complete the move, according to SkySports.

Maresca left Chelsea in January 2026 after disagreements over squad selection and transfer planning. His sudden exit upset many at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea later saying the decision affected their season. The London club eventually finished 10th in the Premier League.

After being confirmed as City’s new manager, Maresca apologised to Chelsea supporters and staff for the way his departure happened.

This is Maresca’s third spell at Manchester City. He first managed the club’s Under-21 side and won the Premier League 2 title during the 2020-21 season. He later returned as Guardiola’s assistant and helped City win the famous Treble in the 2022-23 campaign.

His first match as Manchester City manager will be a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan in South Korea on August 1, 2026.

Manchester City: Maresca’s style built on patience and control

Maresca’s football ideas are heavily influenced by Guardiola, but he has added his own style. His teams usually start in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation before changing shape once they have possession. During build-up play, the goalkeeper and defenders move the ball slowly to tempt opponents into pressing higher up the pitch.

Once the opposition leaves its defensive shape, Maresca’s players quickly attack through the middle with fast one-touch passes before switching play to wide areas. His full-backs often move into midfield instead of staying on the touchline.

This gives the team more players in central areas while allowing attacking midfielders to push forward and support the striker. At the same time, the wingers stay wide to stretch the opposition defence. When the ball is switched quickly, they are left one-on-one against full-backs, creating dangerous attacking chances.

Because of this system, Maresca values players who remain calm under pressure, make smart decisions with the ball and work hard when possession is lost.

Super Eagles stars who would suit Maresca’s system

Ademola Lookman

The former African Player of the Year has all the qualities Maresca wants from a wide attacker. Lookman is excellent in one-on-one situations, has explosive pace and makes clever runs into dangerous areas. He is also comfortable playing on either wing or behind the striker.

His ability to beat defenders after receiving long diagonal passes would make him a strong option in Maresca’s attacking system. Lookman’s willingness to press defenders high up the pitch also matches the manager’s demand for intense defensive work.

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi could fit perfectly as one of Maresca’s advanced midfielders. The Super Eagles star is known for receiving the ball in tight spaces, carrying it forward confidently and making accurate short passes under pressure.

His intelligence on the ball allows him to keep attacks moving while creating chances for teammates. Iwobi also times his forward runs well, giving his team another attacking option around the penalty area.

Those qualities make him an ideal midfielder for the possession-based football Maresca wants to build at Manchester City.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Osayi-Samuel’s versatility makes him an exciting option for Maresca’s tactical setup. Originally a winger before becoming a full-back, the Nigerian defender is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the pace to recover quickly when defending counter-attacks.

Maresca asks his full-backs to move into central midfield during build-up play, and Osayi-Samuel has the technical ability and athleticism to perform that role. His speed, strength and ability to cover large areas of the pitch would also help Manchester City remain solid whenever possession is lost.

Although there are no reports linking any of these Super Eagles stars with a move to Manchester City, their playing styles closely match what Maresca looks for in his teams. If City decide to strengthen their squad with Nigerian talent in the future, Lookman, Iwobi and Osayi-Samuel could all fit naturally into the Italian coach’s football philosophy.