Manchester City Close In On Enzo Maresca Appointment After Chelsea Compensation Agreement

Manchester City are close to appointing Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor after agreeing the framework of a compensation package with Chelsea.
Chelsea are set to receive more than £10 million despite dismissing the Italian in January.
City are also pursuing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as they reshape their squad this summer.

Manchester City are close to appointing Enzo Maresca as their new manager after agreeing the framework of a compensation package with Chelsea, sources have told ESPN.

Maresca could be unveiled as Pep Guardiola’s successor at the Etihad Stadium as early as this week, with negotiations between the two clubs nearing completion. City had hoped to announce the appointment shortly after the end of the Premier League season but were forced to delay plans after Chelsea demanded compensation despite sacking the Italian in January.

Chelsea are set to receive more than £10 million for Maresca, who joined the club in June 2024 on a five-year contract before being dismissed seven months later.

The 45-year-old is a familiar figure at Manchester City after two previous spells at the club. He took charge of City’s Elite Development Squad in 2020 before returning as one of Guardiola’s assistants between 2022 and 2023.

City moved quickly to identify Maresca as their preferred successor after Guardiola announced his departure at the end of last season, bringing an end to a decade-long reign that delivered multiple Premier League titles and Champions League success.

Maresca’s expected arrival forms part of a wider rebuild at the Etihad as City prepare for life after Guardiola.

Sources have told ESPN that City remain interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as they look to strengthen their options in midfield ahead of the new campaign.

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is also admired by City, although Tottenham Hotspur have already made an approach for the Italy international.

Midfield recruitment has become a priority following Bernardo Silva’s departure on a free transfer, while uncertainty remains over the futures of Nico González and Tijjani Reijnders.

With an agreement now close between City and Chelsea, Maresca appears set to return to the Etihad and become the man tasked with leading one of European football’s biggest clubs into a new era.

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.