---
title: "Man City news: Haaland Ballon d’Or, Ait-Nouri future and Brighton cup build-up"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/man-city-news-haaland-ballon-dor-ait-nouri-brighton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-10-26T19:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-27T07:11:36Z"
---

# Man City news: Haaland Ballon d’Or, Ait-Nouri future and Brighton cup build-up

**It has been a busy Monday around [City](https://readmancity.com/), with attention turning from Saturday’s defeat at Aston Villa towards the Ballon d’Or ceremony and Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton.**

Erling Haaland and Ayyoub Bouaddi are both in contention for individual honours in London tonight, while Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at the Etihad has also come under scrutiny. Here is everything we have covered on Read Man City today.

## Haaland and Bouaddi up for Ballon d’Or honours

Haaland is among the 30 players nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or following another prolific campaign in which he scored 52 goals for City.

The Norwegian is joined among City’s nominees by summer signing Bouaddi, who is shortlisted for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award after his breakthrough with Lille and impressive World Cup with Morocco.

[**Read more: Erling Haaland and Ayyoub Bouaddi in running for Ballon d’Or awards**](https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/erling-haaland-ayyoub-bouaddi-ballon-dor-2026/)

## Man City prepare for Brighton cup tie

City do not have long to dwell on their first Premier League defeat of the season, with Brighton visiting the Etihad in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Our [Man City v Brighton viewing guide](https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/man-city-brighton-carabao-cup-tv-channel-how-to-watch/) has all the details supporters need, including UK and US television and streaming information. The tie kicks off at 7.30pm, with City looking to build on the 5-0 victory over Norwich City which took them into the last 16.

## Ait-Nouri facing uncertain Man City future

Rayan Ait-Nouri could reportedly leave City in January after falling down the pecking order since Enzo Maresca’s arrival. The Algeria international has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season after featuring regularly during his first campaign at the Etihad.

There is no suggestion that a departure has been agreed, but his lack of football has inevitably raised questions ahead of the January transfer window.

[**Read more: Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Man City in January after Maresca change**](https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/rayan-ait-nouri-man-city-january-transfer-exit/)

## Experts deliver verdict on Man City owners

There was also a fresh assessment of City’s ownership and what could happen if the club ultimately receives a significant punishment in its long-running Premier League financial case. Experts consulted by the Manchester Evening News believe City’s Abu Dhabi owners would be more likely to accept any punishment and rebuild than walk away from the club.

City continue to deny wrongdoing and are appealing the independent commission’s verdict, leaving the final outcome and any potential punishment unresolved.

[**Read more: Man City owners tipped to stay despite Premier League punishment uncertainty**](https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/man-city-owners-abu-dhabi-premier-league-punishment/)

## Keep track of every Man City fixture and result

We have also launched our new [Man City fixtures and results tracker](https://readmancity.com/2026/10/26/man-city-fixtures-results-2026-27-2/), bringing together City’s Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup schedule in one place.

It will be updated throughout the season as games are played and fixture dates change, with Brighton in the Carabao Cup the next assignment before the same opponents return to the Etihad in the Premier League on Saturday.

***For all the latest Manchester City news, reaction and analysis, visit our** [**Man City news page**](https://readmancity.com/news/)**.***