Manchester City have announced their 23-man squad for the League Stage of the Champions League 2026/27. The mix is an indication of the summer of changes, with several new faces being brought into the mix, alongside the usual restrictions – UEFA can only field a maximum of 15 players in one squad.
New Faces and Familiar Names
The team blends veterans and young players. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are key players, but Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gerónimo Rulli and Marcus Bettinelli are also in the mix as goalkeepers. It also has new midfield players, like Enzo Fernández, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, as well as forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Allan.
Young goalkeeper Max Chabot is one of the less expected inclusions as he also sticks around and refuses to depart on loan. The List A total is 23, the maximum 25, as City are unable to fulfil the quota of club-trained players.
There are domestic figures like Rico Lewis and Phil Foden, but the mix was limited due to foreign players. Some academy players continue on List B as appropriate.
What the Squad Signals
The list highlights the direction Maresca is taking. The manager has focused on depth at midfield and attack, and the squad boasts potential throughout the tough schedule that starts with a trip to Porto. With some already out with injuries, there is flexibility in the wider Champions League squad due to the nature of the campaign.
The team is a blend of continuity and renewal for a club coming out of its past. Haaland is still the name to watch in the attacking midfield, with a host of big-money summer signings now allowed to impress on the European stage. The proof will be in the match itself, but the 23-man squad shows on paper that City are ready for what lies ahead.
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