Maresca set for sensational Man City return as Guardiola era ends, three-year deal agreed: a new chapter begins

Enzo Maresca is set to become Manchester City manager next season after reaching a verbal agreement with the club.

Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, with the latter having decided to step down after a decorated decade at the club.

Manchester City are yet to make an official announcement on Guardiola’s exit, but it is expected to be communicated imminently.

The Cityzens have moved for Maresca as their replacement, in a move that will see the Italian return to the club. Maresca previously worked as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at the Etihad, before leaving for Leicester City in 2023.

The 46-year-old led Leicester to promotion to the Premier League in his sole season at the King Power Stadium, before taking charge of Chelsea.

His debut season at Chelsea saw the club secure Champions League qualification and Europa Conference League success, before beating Paris Saint-Germain to win the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer. Maresca unexpectedly departed the West Londoners in January amid growing tension with the board.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a ‘total’ agreement has been reached between Maresca and Manchester City over a three-year deal.

He faces the sizeable task of replacing Guardiola, who has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history. Guardiola has won 20 trophies during his time at City, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

His achievements also include becoming the first Premier League team to reach 100 points in a campaign, the first English team to win a domestic treble, and leading City to a Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble in 2022/23.