Manchester City close in on Maresca as Guardiola’s future remains uncertain

Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Italian tactician Enzo Maresca as a potential successor to current manager Pep Guardiola.

The development was disclosed by transfer market expert Nicolo Schira, who revealed over the weekend that Maresca has agreed to a contract running until 2028, with an option to extend for a further year until 2029.

According to Schira, the agreement is now subject to Guardiola’s final decision regarding his future at the Etihad Stadium. “It is now up to Guardiola to decide what to do as Maresca is waiting,” the journalist stated in a post on X.

City’s hierarchy are understood to have identified Maresca as the preferred candidate should Guardiola step down at the end of the current campaign.

The Spaniard, who previously managed FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, has one year remaining on his existing contract with the Premier League giants.

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Although Guardiola recently sought to clarify speculation surrounding his future, he stopped short of making a definitive commitment beyond his current deal, fuelling reports that this season could mark the final chapter of his tenure in Manchester.

Maresca is no stranger to the City Football Group structure, having previously worked within Manchester City’s coaching setup and earning plaudits for his tactical philosophy, which mirrors Guardiola’s possession-based system.

His familiarity with the club’s football identity is believed to be a key factor in City’s contingency planning.

Sources close to the club indicate that City’s board is keen to ensure continuity in style and structure should Guardiola depart, avoiding the disruption that often follows the exit of a long-serving manager.

Guardiola, 55, has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at City, transforming the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces.

However, he has consistently maintained that he will not remain indefinitely and has previously taken sabbaticals between major managerial roles.

While he recently addressed questions about his future, insisting he remains focused on the present campaign, insiders suggest that a final decision may only come at the end of the season.

For now, Manchester City appear to be preparing for all eventualities—with Maresca positioned as the leading candidate to take over should the Guardiola era come to a close.