Guardiola to Leave Manchester City as Enzo Maresca Agrees Deal to Succeed Him
Manchester City have reportedly reached a full verbal agreement with Enzo Maresca to become the club’s next manager following the stunning decision by Pep Guardiola to step down at the end of the current season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed on X that Maresca has accepted an initial three-year contract to take charge at the Etihad Stadium, with the deal now considered fully agreed in principle.
Guardiola’s impending departure sent shockwaves across the football world ahead of the final weekend of the Premier League campaign. Reports from major outlets, including The Athletic and the BBC, confirmed that Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa will mark the Spaniard’s final game in charge of City.
Although Guardiola still has one year remaining on his current contract, the 55-year-old has reportedly informed the club internally of his decision to bring an end to his historic ten-year reign in Manchester.
During his time at City, Guardiola transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League while redefining modern football with his tactical philosophy.
Manchester City executives are understood to have moved swiftly to secure Maresca as Guardiola’s successor, viewing the Italian as the ideal candidate due to his tactical similarities with the outgoing manager and his previous experience within the club’s coaching structure.
Maresca has been without a club since leaving Chelsea in January, a situation that reportedly made negotiations straightforward and allowed City to quickly finalise terms.
Attention is now expected to shift toward a major summer rebuild at the Etihad, with speculation already growing over potential transfer targets for the post-Guardiola era. Reports suggest Maresca could even look toward some of his former Chelsea players as he begins shaping the next chapter for Manchester City.
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