Manchester City and Barcelona keeping tabs on potential Pep Guardiola successor after impressive Serie A start | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas’ managerial journey is not going unnoticed at Manchester City, who are monitoring the Spaniard as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola, according to reports.

The legendary Catalan tactician put an end to doubts surrounding his future amid a topsy-turvy season for Manchester City by signing a fresh two-year deal back in November that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.

Since joining City, the 54-year-old has led his side to six Premier League titles, a domestic quadruple, and a maiden Champions League title, with the latter wrapping up a historic 2022/23 treble season – a feat only previously managed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999.

With Guardiola set to enter his 10th campaign at City next season, officials at the Etihad would understandably be keeping an eye on the next line of world class managerial talent who could take the reigns from the club’s most successful manager when the time comes.

Whenever he would decide to part ways with Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is holds a public desire for managing on the international stage and that new stint would likely arrive after the Catalan takes a few years away from the highest level of club football.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi are among those who have been identified as the most likely candidates to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in recent seasons, with the Etihad boss a public admirer of the latter.

Now, as per the information of Il Messaggero translated and relayed by Football Italia, Manchester City are keeping a close eye on Cesc Fabregas’ ongoing managerial career with Serie A side Como as they draw up a list of possible future replacements for Guardiola.

Como have pulled above their weight in the Italian top-flight since their first promotion in 21 years to Serie A at the end of the 2023/24 season.

In that time, Cesc Fabregas has established a status as being one of the most exciting, enterprising young managers in Europe, and City would certainly face stiff competition from the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter for the former Camp Nou midfielder’s signature.

When Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester City – should Fabregas remain a prime candidate to succeed the man he played under at Barcelona between 2011 and 2012 – the club will be hopeful that the Catalan can sway his compatriot to the hot seat at Etihad Stadium.