Enzo Maresca has reached an agreement in principle to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, according to reports on Tuesday. The former Chelsea manager is said to be in line for a two-year deal with the option of a third year if he takes over at the Etihad.
The report comes after Nicolo Schira wrote on X that Maresca had an agreement in principle with City for a contract until 2028 with the option for 2029, and that the club had already designated him as Guardiola’s replacement if the Spaniard leaves. City have one year left on Guardiola’s contract, but the manager refused to give a clear answer when asked by TNT Sports whether Saturday’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea could be his final season in charge. Asked about the rumours, Guardiola said: “What rumours? Have a lovely evening,” before ending the interview.
Guardiola’s response only sharpened the focus on what happens next at City. He has now won 20 trophies at the club after Saturday’s victory, yet the uncertainty around his future has become part of the story around the title holders. It has been widely reported that this could be his final season at the Etihad even though he remains under contract, and that uncertainty is why Maresca’s name has moved to the front of the queue.
Maresca’s route back to City would be a rapid turnaround. He was sacked by Chelsea in January, and reports have claimed he had already spoken to City officials about replacing Guardiola. That makes the reported agreement more than a routine coaching rumor: it suggests City are preparing for a transition while the man they may be replacing is still in the dugout.
What is not clear is whether the agreement signals Guardiola’s imminent departure or simply gives City a plan if he decides to walk away later. For now, the club’s next move is tied to one question only Guardiola can answer, and he was not ready to answer it on Saturday.
