Updated: 17 May 2026 14:58 BST |
4 min read
Enzo Maresca has an ‘agreement in principle’ to become Manchester City’s new manager if Pep Guardiola leaves this summer, according to a new report.
Speculation has been rife in recent months that Guardiola will end his ten-year stint at the Etihad at the end of the season, although the 55-year-old has not made a formal decision over his future yet.
City are focused on their final two games of the season in the hopes of winning a domestic treble after lifting the FA Cup on Saturday to add to their Carabao Cup, as well as trying to overcome Arsenal for the Premier League title.
However, contingency plans have already been explored in case Guardiola does decide to leave and transfer reporter Nicolo Schira has claimed that Maresca has already struck an agreement with City over an initial two-year contract.
Maresca has long-been linked to City, having previously been a coach under Guardiola, and he spoke this week that he is ready for his next challenge after leaving his job as Chelsea manager in January.
It is suggested that a deal until 2028, with an option for a further year, is in place, with Maresca ‘waiting’ on what Guardiola decides, with the decision firmly up to the Spaniard.
Maresca set to fulfil Man City destiny by replacing Guardiola
Maresca coached City’s under-23 side and won the Premier League 2 in his only season in charge, as well as having another year-long stint as one of Guardiola’s assistant managers in 2022.
The Italian then spent a season at Leicester where he got them promoted from the Championship before being appointed as Chelsea boss in 2024.
Maresca led Chelsea to the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup title during his first campaign but he stepped down from his role in January after growing tension with the board.
Part of the conflict came from revelations in December that Maresca had held talks with City over replacing Guardiola and it appears as though it is a matter of when, not if, the former Chelsea manager is given that opportunity.
City are unlikely to make a formal announcement before their season comes to a close against Aston Villa on May 24, knowing that the title race could still go down to the final match, and Guardiola’s future will still be uncertain going into the next two games.
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