Several young players have caught the eye for Manchester City during their preseason tour of Asia. Ryan McAidoo , Vitor Reis , Jeremy Monga, Max Alleyne , and Divin Mubama have all shown glimpses of promise and talent. However, Divine Mukasa hasn't played any minutes in Manchester City's friendlies against Inter Milan and the K-League All-Stars. Enzo Maresca has explained why Mukasa hasn't played, and Maresca's explanation has provided clarity on Mukasa's situation during Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia.
Enzo Maresca faced the media yesterday in his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City's final preseason friendly against Atletico Madrid at the Seoul World Cup Stadium which takes place later today. Maresca was asked why Divine Mukasa hasn't gotten on the pitch during City's matches against Inter Milan and the K-League All-Stars. Maresca said that the size of City's travelling squad had worked against Divine Mukasa and others. However, Maresca said that Mukasa was a good player who had been training well. Maresca explained: " Divine is a good player. The only problem is that we have so many players that we have already made many rotations and we struggled to find some minutes for him, for Floyd [Samba], for Xavi[er Parker]. "
" There are three or four players that didn't get minutes in the friendly game but are training with us every day and we can see the way they are improving. The only problem for them is the amount of players we have in this moment. "
Young attacking midfielder Divine Mukasa is highly regarded at Manchester City. Mukasa signed a contract extension until 2030 with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders earlier this summer. Mukasa's contract extension is evidence of how highly regarded he is at City. However, Divine Mukasa hasn't had an opportunity to play during Manchester City's two preseason friendlies and he plays a position that City have plenty of options to utilize.
Manchester City are blessed with a host of options to play as a number ten. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are the first two that come to mind. Divine Mukasa generally does his best work as a number ten while drifting all over the pitch. For now, Manchester City have a host of senior players who play a similar type of role. Also, Claudio Echeverri and Tijjani Reijnders have played in the role that Mukasa prefers during City's preseason tour of Asia. Unfortunately, Mukasa hasn't yet had an opportunity to impress during Manchester City's preseason matches.
For Mukasa, another loan move is likely on the cards for the 2026-27 season. The young attacking midfielder would benefit from another loan spell ideally in the Championship to then return to Manchester City a much more mature and well-rounded player.
Divine Mukasa has had an opportunity to participate in Manchester City's preseason training. That is valuable experience for him. He has a long-term contract with City so another season of development likely awaits Mukasa before he is afforded a real shot to make the Cith first team.
