Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning a mega-money property purchase in Barcelona once he departs from Manchester City this summer. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed on Monday night that after a decade of unprecedented success, Guardiola will leave the Premier League champions to seek new challenges.
Guardiola's ten-year tenure at the Etihad has been nothing short of magical, yielding 20 trophies and cementing City's status among the world's elite clubs. As arguably the finest manager in football, he will inevitably be linked with numerous high-profile roles following his lengthy stint in Manchester.
According to The Sun, the Catalonia-born manager is eyeing a return to his roots, with his sights set on a lavish £13.5 million property in Barcelona. The new-build home boasts a swimming pool, sea views, a gym, and a jacuzzi, situated in the exclusive Pedralbes neighbourhood. Remarkably, it is located just 100 yards from the marital home he once shared with his estranged wife, Cristina Serra.
Last year, reports indicated that the couple initiated divorce proceedings in 2024 after 30 years together. Serra was reportedly upset by Guardiola's decision to sign a new contract with City until 2027 without consulting her. According to Spanish outlet Antena 3, Serra has since moved out of their £8.5 million marital home to a different property in the Eixample area.
Guardiola and fashion boss Serra share three grown-up children. During his time at City, the 55-year-old has lived in Deansgate CitySuites in central Manchester. Serra lived with her husband in England before returning to Spain three years ago.
Reports last year suggested the couple is trying to reconcile, and Guardiola has been linked with roles in international football, which would allow him to spend more time in Barcelona. Insider Maria Lapiedra told EN Blau in April 2025: "Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra still wear their wedding rings. They're trying to reconcile. He came to her house for three days this Easter and stayed the night there. He's saying he could be in Manchester and come see her on a private plane in Barcelona once a week, then leave again. She wanted to separate because he secretly renewed his contract, without speaking to Cristina, but Pep wants to stay with her."
It is expected that news of Guardiola's City departure will be confirmed on Sunday, paving the way for his impact on English football to be celebrated with an open-top bus parade on Monday. The parade is set to start at Manchester's Northern Quarter at 4pm before concluding outside the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium an hour later.
