(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Stefan Borson drops verdict on Man City's ‘preferred candidate’ to replace Pep Guardiola

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

23 Dec 2025, 1:30 pm

Pep Guardiola is facing questions about his Manchester City future after rumours have been circulating around a potential exit.

Man City beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday (20 December) to remain within two points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

However, there have been suggestions Guardiola could leave Man City at the end of this season, which is his 10th in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is expected to have a say in his replacement when he eventually decides to bring his reign in Manchester to an end.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on 18 December there is a growing anticipation this could be Guardiola’s final season at Man City, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca high on the list of candidates to replace him.

🚨 EXCL: Enzo Maresca high among candidates Manchester City considering in case Pep Guardiola exits next summer. #MCFC advancing contingency work for possibility of manager change - 45yo #CFC coach prominent alongside other potential options @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/nbrXrvHpIt
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 18, 2025

Man City could appoint 'outside candidate' as Pep Guardiola replacement

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider there is logic to the Maresca links after he previously worked under Guardiola at the Etihad.

Speculation has emerged around Maresca’s future at Chelsea after he recently claimed he wasn’t being supported by the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Italian boss potentially joining Man City, Borson said: “I guess if you were to look at his body of work, it's an impressive body of work. Then when you add on the City link, you can see there's some logic there.

“Then of course, there are other managers who have that City link that you would think would also be in the running.

“I do think there's also a possibility of an outside option as well that we might not know about.”

Enzo Maresca pictured on the sidelines during a Chelsea match.

Enzo Maresca has been linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City (Credit: Imago)

Maresca joined Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer of 2024, while his contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2029.

Man City could face Enzo Maresca issue

Borson insisted it would not be a straightforward deal for Man City to finalise if Maresca is their “preferred candidate” to replace Guardiola.

“I think it feels a bit early to know about a manager,” said Borson.

“If it was Maresca as the preferred candidate, it's not exactly a straightforward deal to do, but that would also apply with Vincent Kompany or most of the other managers.