Sources: Man City given encouragement in move for Luis Enrique
Man City are considering a move for Paris Sanit-Germain boss Luis Enrique and they have been given some encouragement that a deal is possible.
Speculation is growing that Pep Guardiola could leave Man City at the end of the season and City are putting together a list of managerial candidates as a result.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Enrique is expected to rank highly thanks to his elite experience and pedigree.
The Spaniard was appointed as the Barcelona manager in 2014, shortly after Guardiola‘s exit, and has gone on to win 18 major trophies across spells at Barca and PSG.
His contract at the French club is set to expire in 2027, and while Le Parisiens remain keen to tie him down, he could be tempted to move to the Premier League.
Man City set sights on Luis Enrique appointment
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Guardiola could quit Man City sooner than expected as he is not happy at the club.
Should City fail to win any trophies for a second consecutive season, after losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace last year, it could push Guardiola out.
As a result, plans are being put in place to identify his replacement, with Enrique’s experience and success making him a clear front-runner for the role.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Look, it’s a very tough job. Pep Guardiola will be a tough act to follow given the success he’s had at the Etihad.
“Man City will be looking for an elite manager to replace an elite manager.
“If you’re probably looking outside that, being Man City they have to look closely at somebody like Luis Enrique.
“Obviously he followed Guardiola at Barcelona, could he follow him at Manchester City as well?
“Again an elite manager, he’s been there and done it, won it all, worked with big name players. If he doesn’t agree a new contract at PSG maybe then he could be another one who could come into the reckoning.
“City will need to find a top manager to replace Guardiola because it will definitely be a big void to fill if Guardiola does eventually leave the club.”
Man United rivalling City in race to appoint Luis Henrique
City are not the only major club looking to appoint a new manager in the summer, with their cross-city rivals Man United aiming to replace Ruben Amorim.
Man United have considered Enrique among the options to take over, although there were early doubts about his willingness to move to Old Trafford.
As a result, he is not among the leading contenders for the role, with current interim boss Michael Carrick heavily backed as their most likely appointment.
Brown told Football Insider on 26 January that Man United will not rush into hiring Carrick and plan to assess their options at the end of the season regardless of his form.
However, the transformed performances of a number of first-team stars who had struggled under Amorim are making a strong case for the new boss.
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