Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Guardiola confirmed his intention to remain in Manchester next season ahead of leading his team to a fourth successive Premier League title this month.
Despite securing another domestic crown, City fell short in their attempt to win another trophy treble, after losing out to old foes Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals.
Rivals Manchester United stormed to an FA Cup final win to leave Guardiola with just one title in 2024.
City are keen to retain Guardiola beyond his current deal, but the former Barcelona boss has the flexibility to make the final call, with talks ongoing.
Guardiola has previously hinted at being open minded over staying in England but an exclusive report from the Daily Mail claims he is ready to move on next summer.
There has been no formal notification from the club, but sources have indicated the City hierarchy are already looking at replacement options, with Girona’s Michel Sanchez the No.1 pick.
The clubs are linked via the City Football Group with Girona set for a first ever UEFA Champions League campaign in 2024/25.
The Catalan, who joined the club eight years ago, has 12 months left on a contract that sources believe will be his last at the Etihad Stadium.
City will give Guardiola space to make a final decision on his future – and want the most successful boss in their history to extend his stay after 15 major trophies, including delivering a first Champions League.
But the club’s hierarchy fear that Guardiola’s ninth year will represent the end. While City stress that there has been no formal indication either way from the 52-year-old, multiple sources within the industry and City have openly discussed the prospect of an impending departure over recent months.
The news will act as a fillip for City’s rivals, who have watched Guardiola mastermind six Premier League titles in seven years and become the first to win four in a row.
City’s succession planning will begin, with Girona’s Michel talked up as a potential candidate after impressing in La Liga.
Julian Nagelsmann has a contract with Germany until 2026 and Xabi Alonso is highly thought of, while Guardiola himself admires Roberto De Zerbi.
Guardiola has confirmed that he will be back next season but admitted that he is unsure which stars will head for the exit door over the summer.
Ederson is a target for Al-Ittihad, while Kevin De Bruyne – hooked just before the hour of Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United – is also subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Bernardo Silva has a £50million release clause. A move for Lucas Paqueta is off after his FA charge.
City are also watching the situation with Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United.
