Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing one of the Premier League’s greatest managerial eras to a close.
According to BBC Sport, members of Guardiola’s staff and City’s first-team squad are now expecting the Spaniard to depart after the club’s final match of the season against Aston Villa.
The news comes after Guardiola secured his 20th trophy with Manchester City, following their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea. That triumph appears set to be one of the final acts of a remarkable spell at the Etihad.
Maresca lined up as Guardiola replacement
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola if the departure goes ahead.
City’s interest in Maresca had already been reported in December, although Guardiola dismissed exit speculation at the time. The situation has now changed, with the club believed to be preparing for a major transition behind the scenes.
Manchester City have refused to comment on the reports.
End of a dominant City era
Guardiola’s exit would mark the end of a defining period for both Manchester City and English football.
Since arriving at the Etihad, he has transformed City into one of Europe’s most dominant clubs, delivering domestic control, tactical innovation and repeated success at the highest level.
Replacing him will be a huge challenge, but Maresca has strong links to City’s football structure and is viewed as a coach who understands the principles Guardiola helped establish.
For now, City’s focus remains on finishing the season. But with Guardiola expected to step aside, the club appear to be preparing for the beginning of a new era.
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