Manchester City expect Pep Guardiola to leave as Enzo Maresca emerges as leading successor

Manchester City expect Pep Guardiola to depart at the end of the season despite contract running until 2027
Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him after being sounded out by club officials
City are still in the Premier League title race but planning for post-Guardiola transition is underway

Manchester City are resigned to Pep Guardiola leaving his role as manager at the end of the season, sources have told ESPN, with growing belief inside the club that the 55-year-old will bring an end to his decade-long reign at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola, who is under contract until 2027 but has a break clause allowing him to depart this summer, has repeatedly avoided confirming his future. However, multiple sources indicate that players and staff increasingly expect this season to be his final campaign in charge, even though club officials insist “nothing has changed” publicly.

City remain locked in a tight Premier League title race with Arsenal, who beat Burnley 1-0 on Monday. Guardiola’s side must now win away at Bournemouth to prevent Mikel Arteta’s team from being crowned champions for the first time since 2004.

Despite the uncertainty, internal planning for a post-Guardiola era has intensified. Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, is understood to be the club’s top target to take over. Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January and has already been approached about a potential return to the Etihad.

Guardiola recently added to his trophy haul by guiding City to a 1-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, taking his tally to 20 trophies at the club. City also lifted the Carabao Cup this season after beating Arsenal in the final.

The club is preparing a celebratory event to mark the season’s trophy wins after their final league match against Aston Villa, while plans are also in place to rename a stand at the Etihad Stadium in Guardiola’s honour, reflecting his legacy at the club.

For now, City remain focused on the title race, but uncertainty over Guardiola’s future continues to loom over the closing weeks of the season.

WRITTEN BY

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.