Pep Guardiola may leave Manchester City this summer following the club's recent FA Cup final victory over Chelsea [1, 2, 3].
As one of the most successful managers in football history, Guardiola's potential departure would signal the end of a transformative era for the Manchester-based club. His exit would leave a significant void in leadership and tactical direction for the team.
Reports indicate that Guardiola is entering his 10th season as manager [3]. While he has not confirmed a departure, some insiders said that a deal to replace him is already all but agreed [2, 5]. This speculation is further fueled by the departure of key staff members and reported interest from other coaches [2, 4, 5].
Among the staff transitions is the presence of Lorenzo Buenaventura, the 63-year-old fitness coach for City [4]. The movement within the coaching staff has led some analysts to believe a transition is imminent.
However, conflicting reports persist regarding the manager's intentions. One insider said that Manchester City is expected to see a change in the head coach position this summer [2]. In contrast, Guardiola said he still boasts incredible energy amid the growing speculation [3].
Despite the lack of an official announcement, multiple sources said that he is expected to leave in the summer of 2026 [2]. The timing coincides with the conclusion of the current campaign and the recent trophy win over Chelsea [1, 2].
“Pep Guardiola may leave Manchester City this summer following the club's recent FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.”
The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola's tenure creates a precarious transition period for Manchester City. If an insider's claim that a replacement is already agreed upon is true, the club may be prioritizing long-term stability over a public announcement. A departure after a decade of dominance would force the organization to pivot from a specific, Guardiola-led tactical identity to a new regime while attempting to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.
