Pep Guardiola successor latest: Five candidates comprise early-stage Manchester City shortlist | OneFootball

Manchester City have drafted a five candidate shortlist as they recruit a potent replacement for head coach Pep Guardiola, as per a new report.

Guardiola has been linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season – despite his current Manchester City deal running till 2027.

The 55-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in November 2024 and has repeatedly brushed off suggestions that he may call it a day at City this summer – when probed on his future in press conferences in recent months.

However, there is a strong belief in Premier League circles – as cited by traditionally reliable sections of the English media – that Guardiola is likelier than ever to step aside from the Manchester City managerial hot-seat at the end of the season.

Enzo Maresca has been touted as Manchester City’s preferred replacement for Guardiola when the Catalan decides to leave the Blues, with the former City assistant being relieved of his duties as Chelsea head coach on January 1.

In the final month of his reign in west London, Maresca is understood to have informed executives at Stamford Bridge that he was holding preliminary conversations with Manchester City officials over potentially replacing Guardiola in the future.

Having served as assistant to Guardiola previously and managed City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) during the 2020-21 campaign, it can be understood why Maresca retains admirers at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and director of football Hugo Viana are believed to be leading the club’s recruitment of Guardiola’s eventual successor, with reports in recent months relaying a growing belief at the Etihad Stadium that the Catalan is highly unlikely to sign an extension beyond 2027.

Whether Guardiola sees out the final year of his current deal is expected to be resolved at the end of the season – as Manchester City remain in the running to win an unprecedented quadruple in their premier season under Viana’s stewardship.

As part of a wide-ranging Q&A, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News has provided an update on Manchester City’s shortlist of candidates being considered to replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The article notes that Maresca, Luis Enrique, Andoni Iraola, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi are all of interest to City, who will be doing their due diligence as they look to pass over the baton from the club’s greatest manager into a safe pair of hands. It has also been noted that Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany could be a long shot to recruit.

Enrique is well settled at Paris Saint-Germain off the back of a treble winning season, while Tuchel has just signed a new contract as England manager. Regardless of whoever comes in for Guardiola, Manchester City fans will be dreading the day they have to bid farewell to a man who has revolutionised the club and English football since his arrival in 2016.