Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season in a huge move that will spark a seismic shift in the Premier League.
The Spaniard’s exit is set to come after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa and will bring an end to one of the most trophy-laden reigns in English football history, following 10 years of dominance in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
For now, Man City maintain Guardiola has a contract for next season and are hopeful he will remain as manager.
The 55-year-old has captured 17 major trophies, and 20 in all, since taking over in 2016, including six Premier League titles, which could still become seven if they can come out on top of an intense title race with Arsenal.
Guardiola also masterminded City’s breakthrough in Europe to claim a first Champions League in 2023, defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul and securing a third European crown as a manager following two triumphs during his legendary stint in charge of Barcelona.
His latest trophy came last weekend, as Antoine Semenyo’s flicked finish ensured City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final, a 19th piece of silverware in Guardiola’s time at the Etihad and a third FA Cup.
Off the pitch, Guardiola’s reign has been clouded in recent years after City were charged in 2023 with more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, concerning a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018. A hearing led by an independent commission concluded in December 2024, with the outcome expected at some point this year.
If he does indeed leave, Guardiola would likely be set for a break from football, resembling his time off between periods at Camp Nou and Bayern Munich from 2012-13.
His time in England has largely been defined by his side’s rivalry with Liverpool and, in particular, Jurgen Klopp, including, famously, a one-point victory in 2019, despite the Reds earning 97 points.
Guardiola also broke the 100-point barrier during the 2018 season, setting a new Premier League record, and became the first manager in English football history to win four top-flight titles in a row.
Ahead of the FA Cup final, when asked whether his tenure at City has been the definition of greatness, the Spaniard said: “Yeah, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad. They know they don't need to wait until I'm leaving, they know I have been fun. So 19 titles – fight for 20 in 10 years – it's not bad, honestly.”
His reported departure now leaves enormous shoes to fill, with City likely to consider numerous candidates, including former assistant boss Enzo Maresca, who is available after splitting acrimoniously with Chelsea mid-season, despite guiding the Blues to Conference League and Club World Cup titles.
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Maresca has widely been expected to take the role but Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany – a City legend as a player under Guardiola – could also theoretically be under consideration.
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