Ryan McAidoo only played 45 minutes for Manchester City across their three preseason friendlies in Asia. A shoulder injury saw McAidoo miss City’s matches against the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid. However, McAidoo was the star of the show for Enzo Maresca’s side in the second half of their penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. That 45-minute cameo from Ryan McAidoo showed he is ready for the step up into the Manchester City first team set up. That is the opportunity that awaits McAidoo as Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Ryan McAidoo will remain with Manchester City for next season.
Speaking in the embargoed section of his pre-game press conference on Friday, Enzo Maresca revealed that Ryan McAidoo will remain at Manchester City for the 2026-27 season. Maresca believes that McAidoo will benefit from training with the City first team. The Manchester City manager believes learning from Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo will aid McAidoo’s development. Also, seeing what is required in terms of standards will be great for the young winger. Enzo Maresca explained: “I think for him the best thing is to stay with us, to learn, be around first-team everyday. Try to be clever, try to be intelligent, try to learn from Antoine, from Jeremy, from the ones we have in this moment here.”
“And when I say try to learn it’s not how to dribble, but also in terms of attitude, how to work hard, because sometimes it’s difficult because they can stop the work just because they feel they are ready and they are not. So it’s good that they continue to learn.“
Ryan McAidoo will have a role to play for Enzo Maresca’s side while learning the ropes.
Ryan McAidoo’s path for 2026-27 season has been set out. The young winger will train with Enzo Maresca’s squad. McAidoo should benefit greatly from consistently being around the Manchester City first team. Ryan McAidoo has served his apprenticeship in City’s youth system and the next step is to become a considered first team player. He may not get that opportunity this season, however McAidoo will have a role to play for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku are Manchester City’s first-choice wingers. Their positions are secured. However, after that pair, City do need another winger to step up. Savinho is likely to depart City this summer. Manchester City are in the market for another winger. The assumption is that Rayan Cherki will spend some time on the right wing. But there are minutes and opportunities on offer for Ryan McAidoo. He will get the opportunities this season to make an impact. McAidoo’s blend of speed, dribbling prowess and eye for goal should mean he gets an opportunity to play minutes this season.
Ryan McAidoo will remain at Manchester City for the 2026-27 season. Enzo Maresca has confirmed this and McAidoo has long seemed to be the next player up from Manchester City’s academy system. That has occurred and now McAidoo will be aiming to learn and make an impact when the opportunity arises.