Manchester City identify ‘at least’ two candidates as potential Pep Guardiola replacements | OneFootball

Hugo Viana and Manchester City have started work on compiling a list of possible successors to Pep Guardiola amid growing doubts the Catalan could leave in 2026.

Speculation around Guardiola’s long-term future has intensified in recent weeks, with a belief in some quarters that the Catalan head coach could be prepared to call time on his long-standing Etihad Stadium tenure at the end of the ongoing campaign.

While the 54-year-old remains under contract at the club until the summer of 2027, there is a growing acceptance internally that planning for the next era must begin well in advance should the inevitable arrive in the coming months.

Manchester City’s approach mirrors the club’s wider operational philosophy in being proactive rather than reactive. The appointment of Hugo Viana earlier this year has accelerated that forward planning, with the Portuguese official inheriting responsibility for shaping not only the next squad cycle, but also the next managerial chapter.

Now, according to the information of BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the sense of a potential change at City has seen the club begin to look at possible successors to Guardiola, with ‘at least’ two candidates already identified – although no confirmation of names.

The report also reveals that potential new signings for the Etihad Stadium club are also aware of the possibility of the legendary Catalan head coach leaving City at the end of the ongoing season.

As for Hugo Viana, the Manchester City sporting director – who replaced Txiki Begiristain earlier in 2025 – is reportedly ‘playing a key role’ in compiling the shortlist of managers in the event of Guardiola departing in the coming months.

However, with the 54-year-old’s current contract expiring in the summer of 2027, the report insists that a final decision on whether he sees out the contract is not expected until towards the end of this season.

The lack of confirmed names will not stop external speculation, with several high-profile coaches repeatedly linked to the role in recent weeks. Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany remains closely monitored at Bayern Munich, while the likes of Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca is believed to feature prominently on an initial shortlist of options.

Manchester City’s careful handling of the situation also reflects sensitivity around Pep Guardiola’s current position. Publicly, there is no desire to rush or pressure the Catalan into a decision, particularly given his renewed optimism around the squad and structural changes.

Ultimately, whether Guardiola departs in 2026, 2027, or extends further, City appear determined to ensure continuity. With early groundwork clearly underway, the club is positioning itself to manage one of the most significant transitions in its modern history.