(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 17 May 2026 13:51, UK

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Manchester City appear to have settled on the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the replacement for Pep Guardiola this summer.

The Spanish boss has been heavily linked with a potential departure from the Etihad Stadium, amid sustained speculation that this could be his final year at the helm of the Citizens.

Guardiola’s future at City now appears to have been settled, with Sacha Tavolieri reporting via his X account on Sunday that “barring a last-minute twist,” the 55-year-old will be moving on.

Links with Maresca to come in as his replacement have grown ever stronger in recent months, and it is now understood that “everything is in place” for the former Chelsea man to take over.

Guardiola’s work at Man City has helped to transform them as a club, and the board have worked hard behind the scenes to ensure that they get the right man to replace him.

Man City ready for Enzo Maresca appointment after talks

Former City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider at the end of April that talks were ongoing between City and Maresca regarding a potential move for him to succeed Guardiola.

The football finance expert suggested that the Italian has been lined up to step into the boss’ shoes for several weeks now, despite strong links with Vincent Kompany returning to the Etihad of late.

Borson outlined that he “would not be surprised” to see Guardiola decide to leave if his team secure another two trophies this season, and they are now on their way towards that after their FA Cup triumph on Saturday.

Maresca has remained on the radar of the club hierarchy ever since he departed his coaching role back in 2023, and he now appears to be on the verge of a return to take on the top job.

Guardiola’s future is seemingly all but settled, which will bring an end to what has been a truly extraordinary era for the club.

City set to miss out on first-choice manager target

Football Insider revealed back in March that Kompany was City’s “top choice” to replace Guardiola, given his connections to the club from his playing career.

The Belgian recently secured his second consecutive Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, and his position with the German giants has been completely secure in recent months.

City’s admiration for their former centre-back is clear, but they appear to have missed out on the chance to appoint him on this occasion.

Kompany is settled in Munich and has already tasted major success, and it is now clear that City have not been able to prise him away.