Enzo Maresca Identified as Manchester City’s Preferred Successor if Pep Guardiola Leaves – Fabrizio Romano Update
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Enzo Maresca is the name already lined up by Manchester City to succeed Pep Guardiola should the legendary Spanish manager decide to depart the Etihad Stadium.
In his latest update shared via social media and YouTube, Romano stated:
“Manchester City as a club are waiting for Pep Guardiola to decide. At the moment, according to my information, the situation is still open. Pep has one more year of his contract, so if he says nothing he will be Man City manager next season. Eventually if Pep decides to leave between now and the end of the season, the name already identified by Manchester City to become the next manager at some point remains, according to my information, Enzo Maresca.”
Those close to Maresca are reportedly aware of the interest from City, though Guardiola must first make a final decision on his future before any transition moves forward.
Context on Guardiola’s Situation
Guardiola, who extended his contract in November 2024 to run until the summer of 2027, has faced persistent speculation about his long-term plans — especially following Manchester City’s recent Champions League exit to Real Madrid and a challenging run of form. The 55-year-old has spoken emotionally about his attachment to the club, saying he wants to “retire in 10 years” and that he will “always be part of” City, similar to his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. However, no new contract talks are underway, and City officials are preparing contingency plans.
City want Guardiola to stay beyond this season but would reportedly allow a departure in summer 2026 if he chooses to step away.
Why Maresca?
Maresca has strong ties to Manchester City:
He worked as an assistant to Guardiola during the 2022-23 treble-winning season.
He previously coached City’s Elite Development Squad (U21/EDS).
His tactical philosophy closely mirrors Guardiola’s possession-based, positional play style.
After leading Leicester City to the Championship title in 2023-24, Maresca took over at Chelsea but faced a difficult stint, ending in his departure earlier in 2026. Despite that, he retains “admirers in the hierarchy” at City and has been linked as a potential successor for months — with reports of discussions as early as late 2025.
Other names like Vincent Kompany (currently at Bayern Munich) have been mentioned in shortlists, but Romano’s update positions Maresca as the clear frontrunner if Guardiola exits.
Guardiola has previously dismissed speculation about his exit and Maresca links, once responding sharply to questions with: “Do you want to fire me?”
The situation remains fluid — Guardiola’s decision will dictate the timeline. If he stays, Maresca (currently without a club) could pursue other opportunities. City fans and observers will watch closely in the coming weeks for any announcement.
This breaking claim aligns with ongoing reports from reliable sources like Romano, The Athletic, and others tracking the succession planning at one of world football’s most dominant clubs.
