Pep Guardiola's future at Man City in fresh doubt as shock name emerges as favourite to replace him

A new report has claimed that Pep Guardiola could be set to leave Manchester City, with a surprise name being considered to replace him.

Guardiola, 53, has overseen the most successful period in City's long history after joining the Premier League club in 2016.

Since taking over from Manuel Pellegrini, Guardiola has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League once, in addition to two FA Cups and four League Cups.

His hopes of winning back-to-backs European Cups with City were ended on Wednesday night after they were beaten on penalties by Real Madrid in their quarter-final second leg at the Etihad.

But the Manchester club could still end the season on a high, with Guardiola's side two points clear at the top of the Premier League and also through to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea on Saturday.

Guardiola is currently contracted to City until the end of the 2024/25 season, having signed a two-year extension in 2023.

But there are doubts over whether he will sign another extension with last season's Treble winners, as they await a trial over the club's 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Spanish journalist Jorge Picon claims City are looking ahead and "already planning for a future without Guardiola".

"Pessimism is growing regarding the coach's continuity from 2025, when his contract ends," tweeted Picon.

He added that City are considering appoint Girona head coach Michel to replace Guardiola, should he leave in 2025.

Girona head coach Michel is being considered to replace Guardiola (Image: Getty)

"And among the candidates to replace him, a coach from 'the house': Michel," added Picon.

Michel is enjoying an excellent season with Girona, who are owned by City's owners City Football Group.

They are currently third in La Liga and on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Speaking in February, Guardiola hinted that he could be ready for a new challenge in his managerial career.

Asked by ESPN, what was left for him to achieve, Guardiola said: "A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that."

Asked whether he had a preference of which country he manages, he dded: "I don't know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club."