Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City, with the former Chelsea boss expected to take over

Pep Guardiola is reportedly ready to leave Manchester City, with the Spaniard expected to announce his departure during the club’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

According to The Athletic, Guardiola’s current deal runs until 2027 after he signed an extension in November 2024. However, speculation over his long-term future at the club has continued in recent months, although the renewal appears to signal stability.

If confirmed, Guardiola’s departure would mark the end of one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history.

Guardiola joined Manchester City in February 2016, signing an initial three-year contract to replace Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the 2016–17 season. While his debut campaign ended without silverware, the first trophy-less season of his managerial career proved to be the exception rather than the norm.

Under Guardiola, City redefined domestic dominance. The club became the first team in Premier League history to reach the 100-point mark in the 2017–18 season, finishing with a record 106 goals.

His side continued to break milestones in the following years. In the 2022-23 season Manchester City became only the second English club after Manchester United in 1998-99 to complete the historic Treblewon the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in the same campaign.

City then added another remarkable achievement by becoming the first team in the history of the English top flight to win four consecutive league titles, securing the feat in the 2023-24 season.

The reported departure also comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Premier League’s investigation into more than 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations by Manchester City. The club has strongly denied any wrongdoing, the case is still unresolved.

Maresca appears as a forerunner

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly emerged as the main candidate to succeed Guardiola.

Maresca, who left Chelsea four months agoo, no stranger to the Etihad setup. The Italian managed Manchester City’s under-21 team during the 2020-21 season before returning in 2022 as part of Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff.

His understanding of City’s football structure, along with his familiarity with Guardiola’s tactical methods, make him a natural contender for the role.

If reports prove accurate, Manchester City may be preparing for a major transition that marks the end of a transformational chapter under one of football’s most influential managers.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

19 May 2026 07:59 IST