Manchester City midfielder closes in on new contract after expired agreement

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City Xtra

·6 July 2026

Manchester City midfielder closes in on new contract after expired agreement

Highly regarded 20-year-old Charlie Gray is on the verge of signing a new deal with Manchester City.
Extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium could clear the path for the midfielder to travel with the senior squad for the upcoming pre-season tour.
A temporary resolution of his contract situation allows management to evaluate his fit before making a decision on a potential loan later in August.

Charlie Gray is closing in on a new Manchester City contract after his previous agreement with the club expired, it has been revealed.

For the 20-year-old central playmaker, the highly-rated talent has had to weigh up numerous options and proposals from across the European game, including a clear desire from within the Etihad Stadium to renew a deal.

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With several English Football League (EFL) clubs keeping a close eye on his contract status over the past few weeks, Manchester City’s academy officials have moved to prevent an exit.

The decision to hand out a fresh contract reflects a broader strategy to keep hold of key academy assets rather than letting them leave for minimal compensation, keeping their developmental options open for the upcoming season.

Charlie Gray closes in on new Man City contract

Now, according to the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Charlie Gray is close to agreeing a new contract at Manchester City after his deal expired at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the same week.

It is explained that the 20-year-old was offered fresh terms as he came to the end of his previous deal, and now an agreement is not far away.

While Gray’s long-term future is said to remain unclear, a new Manchester City contract will end immediate uncertainty and could see him join pre-season tour under Enzo Maresca and the scheduled three matches in Asia.

Audition opportunity pending for Gray?

With senior figures returning to the training ground for pre-season from July 20, the manager is looking to evaluate the academy’s best prospects up close before finalising tactical plans.

Securing a spot in the upcoming three-match pre-season tour of Asia – featuring a highly-anticipated clash against Inter Milan in Hong Kong on August 1 – will give the youngster a platform to showcase his skills against elite opposition.

If staff decide Gray is not quite ready for first-team minutes under the new manager, a season-long loan to a Championship side, for example, remains a strong possibility for late August.