Enzo Maresca Reaches 2028 Agreement in Principle With Manchester City

enzo maresca has reached an agreement in principle to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City on a deal running until 2028, with the option of a third year in 2029. The move points to a planned handover at the Etihad if Guardiola leaves, with the City boss still holding one year left on his contract.

Guardiola Keeps the Door Open

Guardiola was asked directly about rumours that this could be his final season at Manchester City and answered: “What rumours? Have a lovely evening,”. He then added: “the future is bright”, while stopping short of giving a straight answer on his long-term plans.

That uncertainty sits beside a trophy milestone. Guardiola won his 20th trophy at Manchester City on the day of the article, adding another layer to a season already shaped by questions about succession and timing.

Maresca Waits at City

The reported deal lines up Maresca as Guardiola’s replacement if the Spaniard departs. Nicolò Schira said on X that Manchester City have designated the former Chelsea manager for the role, and the same report says Maresca is waiting.

Maresca’s path to this point has moved quickly. He was sacked by Chelsea in January, then surfaced in the succession talk around City before this agreement in principle was reported. The contract terms are clear: two years, then a possible third.

That leaves the next decision with Guardiola. He is the one with a year left on his deal, and the club now appears to have a successor mapped out if he chooses to step away after a spell that has already delivered 20 trophies.