Manchester City handed Pep Lijnders contract update amid Pep Guardiola future talks | OneFootball

Manchester City assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders is planning to trigger a 12-month renewal option in his contract in the coming weeks, as per reports.

The Dutchman joined Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff in June 2025 as part of a wider overhaul of the club’s coaching structure, having previously worked as Jurgen Klopp‘s assistant at Liverpool before a brief and difficult spell as manager of Red Bull Salzburg.

Lijnders is set to activate the renewal clause in his deal in the coming weeks, with the 43-year-old understood to be fully committed to continuing the project at the Etihad Stadium.

The Dutchman’s imminent decision to extend his stay will come as a significant boost to Manchester City amid ongoing uncertainty over head coach Pep Guardiola‘s own future at the club, with executives having formally approached the Catalan over whether he intends to see out the final year of his contract.

Lijnders expected to stay at Manchester City next season

Lijnders has made an immediate impression since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, with his rapport with the playing squad and his tactical input widely praised within the club’s walls.

The former Liverpool assistant managed City from the touchline in their 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool at the weekend, with Guardiola serving the second game of a two-match touchline ban. He has also been the primary face of the club in the media on occasions when the Catalan head coach has been absent from pre-match press conferences.

Lijnders has previously spoken glowingly about Guardiola’s continued hunger and ambition at Manchester City, insisting the Spaniard remains as driven as ever to deliver success at the club.

Now, according to new claims, Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders plans to take up a 12-month renewal option in his contract within the ‘next couple of weeks’ and fully expects to be at the Etihad Stadium next season.

His decision to commit his future for a further year will provide City’s hierarchy with a measure of stability regardless of what Guardiola ultimately decides, with director of football Hugo Viana understood to be planning for all possible outcomes as the 2026-27 campaign draws closer.

City are currently chasing a domestic treble under Guardiola, having already won the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal and booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final. Lijnders, for his part, has already rallied the squad to push on in the title race with Arsenal faltering – and will be hoping to be a part of whatever success follows next season too.