Pep Guardiola Bombshell Drops as Shock Man City 'Replacement' Lined Up by Club

Manchester City have identified a surprise candidate to replace Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard leaves the club, according to a new report.

Guardiola is under contract at City until the summer of 2027, having signed a new two-year extension in December 2024.

He has indicated that his current deal will be his last before he takes a break from management.

Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that, according to 'numerous well-placed sources outside the club', there is now a 'growing anticipation' that Guardiola is already in his last season as City manager.

It is added that, while no decision has yet been made, City are already making contingency plans in case he departs the club early.

Significantly, Ornstein claims that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is among the candidates to replace the Spaniard.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Man City (Image: Getty)

Maresca was the head coach of City's U21 side between 2020 and 2021, before returning to the club as one of Guardiola's assistants in 2022.

The Italian became manager of Leicester City the following year, guiding the Foxes to promotion from the Championship as champions.

He was then appointed as Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, leading them to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles last season.

Maresca has earned significant praise for his management of young players and his attractive style of play.

But his future at Chelsea has come under question over recent days following comments he made after Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca worked with Guardiola at Man City (Image: Getty)

"Worst 48 hours since I joined the club [before the match], because people didn't support me and the team," he told reporters.

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general, in general. I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

He was pressed on those comments again on Monday, telling journalist Simon Johnson: "I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish very well, French, English, I think it was clear with what I said.

"It's done, it's finished. It was after the game, I said what I said, and it's done. It's finished. Now, Cardiff. We need to move forward."