Man City reach total agreement to appoint Enzo Maresca as new manager – Romano
Updated: 19 May 2026 08:24 BST |
4 min read
Enzo Maresca has reached a full verbal agreement to become the new Manchester City manager following news that Pep Guardiola will step down this summer.
The Italian left Chelsea by mutual consent on New Year’s Day, after a bust-up with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, and he has been heavily linked with a Man City switch ever since.
It’s understood that Maresca held talks with the Etihad Stadium side before leaving Chelsea in January and he is now set to return to the club this summer as Guardiola’s replacement.
The 46-year-old has been the heavy favourite to become the new Man City boss for several months and a full agreement has now been reached, as per Fabrizio Romano. The transfer expert posted on X: “BREAKING: Enzo Maresca has a total verbal agreement with Manchester City, HERE WE GO!
“The Italian manager has always been considered the ideal candidate to replace Pep Guardiola. Deal in place and Maresca will sign an initial three year deal at Man City. New era, soon.”
Maresca coached Man City’s U21 side during the 2020-21 season, before becoming the permanent Parma head coach, and he then returned to the club as Guardiola’s assistant manager in 2022-23, playing a key role en route to a historic treble.
Following his stint alongside Guardiola, Maresca was appointed as Leicester City boss and he guided the club to the Championship title during his only campaign at the club. He then spent one-and-a-half years at Chelsea before his exit on 1 January.
Pep Guardiola to leave Man City
Confirmation that Maresca will become the new Man City manager this summer comes after reports emerged on Monday evening that Guardiola will step down following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The legendary manager’s current deal at the Etihad Stadium doesn’t expire until 2027, but rumours have indicated that he could leave the club one year early and this was confirmed by The Daily Mail on Monday.
It’s reported that Man City are expected to make Guardiola’s exit official “some time on Sunday,” likely after their final Premier League match of the season versus Aston Villa.
The club, having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season, will then hold an open-top bus parade on Monday to celebrate the Spaniard’s incredible 10-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.
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