Pep Guardiola is set to depart Manchester City this summer, a year before his contract expires, with former assistant Enzo Maresca widely expected to succeed him. The news emerged on Monday, confirming long-standing rumours that the Catalan will not see out his deal until 2027.
Guardiola had previously dismissed speculation about his future and Maresca’s potential appointment. In January, when asked about the links, he replied: “You want to fire me? My salary is so high, so I have one more year.” Pressed further on honouring his contract, he added: “Oh my God. I have a contract, I’ve said it a thousand million times. I know you are bored of me, 10 years here. You want [me to leave]? Yeah, I’m pretty sure of that.”
The 55-year-old will leave as one of the most decorated managers in European football, having won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure. His arrival in 2016 transformed City into a domestic and continental powerhouse.
Maresca, a former City youth coach and Guardiola’s assistant, now faces the daunting task of replicating his mentor’s success. He is expected to be announced as the next manager at the Etihad, inheriting a squad built for sustained dominance.
