Club insiders detail why Pep Guardiola could stay at Manchester City until 2027 | OneFootball

There remains a possibility that Pep Guardiola could remain at the Etihad Stadium until the end of his existing contract, despite widespread talk around an earlier Manchester City exit this summer.

Speculation around the Catalan’s future has intensified in recent months, with reports suggesting a growing expectation that the ongoing campaign will be his final one at the club. Claims of conversations among managers and players have also pointed towards the possibility of a departure, despite Guardiola’s deal running until 2027.

That uncertainty has also been tied to suggestions that City have began contingency planning behind the scenes, with reports outlining potential successor candidates including Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, Luis Enrique, Vincent Kompany and even Cesc Fabregas.

Despite those preparations, there have also been strong indications from within the Etihad Stadium that Guardiola remains content in his role, as well as consistent comments from the coach himself over a desire to see out his deal.

Now, according to iPaper’s Mark Douglas and Pete Hall, Manchester City insiders are increasingly hopeful Pep Guardiola will stay at the club until the end of his contract in June 2027.

It is highlighted there are numerous reasons why the Catalan coach could see his contract out, including a passion for speaking out about global conflicts such as those in Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan, and some believing the ability to utilise his current platform in such a way could play a part in persuading him to stay.

Doubts have also been cast over claims Guardiola would wait until the end of the season to decide on his future, leaving Manchester City scrambling for a replacement, and there is no indication whatsoever that an announcement on an exit could happen anytime soon.

Such claims would represent a notable shift in tone compared to some of the more pessimistic projections from within the wider football media industry.

While external voices have spoken of an imminent change in the coming summer, the view from inside the club appears to be one of cautious optimism that Pep Guardiola’s tenure could extend to the full length of his current agreement.

Should that prove to be the case, it would offer significant continuity for City’s ongoing squad rebuild and long-term strategic planning, with recruitment over the last 12 months, youth integration, and structural decisions all been framed around Guardiola’s philosophy.

For now, Manchester City appear prepared for either scenario, as succession planning remains in place, but the internal belief that Guardiola could yet remain until 2027 ensures the club are not operating under the assumption of an imminent departure.