Pep Guardiola is set to extend his tenure at Manchester City, having agreed to a new one-year contract extension, with an option to prolong his stay until 2027, according to Sky Sports News.
While the club has yet to make an official statement, an announcement is reportedly expected in the coming days, as per The Athletic.
The 53-year-old Spaniard’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season. Should he see out the terms of the new contract, Guardiola would surpass a decade in charge of the club, having joined in the summer of 2016.
During his time at City, Guardiola has secured 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, cementing his legacy as one of football’s most successful managers.
Guardiola’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, fuelled further by the impending departure of director of football Txiki Begiristain, a trusted ally and long-time collaborator.
Begiristain is set to leave his post at the end of the season, to be succeeded by Sporting Lisbon’s Hugo Viana, the former Newcastle United player.
The contract extension comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester City. The club has endured a turbulent season, both on and off the pitch.
A string of injuries has contributed to their worst form under Guardiola, with the team losing their last four matches across all competitions.
Off the field, the club faces significant scrutiny, battling 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
Resolving Guardiola’s future could provide crucial stability as City prepare for a summer of change and their participation in the Club World Cup.
The announcement is also timely, given the difficulties of the current campaign and the need to maintain momentum amidst mounting challenges.
Guardiola’s journey at Manchester City began when he replaced Manuel Pellegrini in 2016, following trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Reflecting on Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay, football pundits have highlighted how carefully he has deliberated over this next chapter.
“This timing feels unexpected,” said a source close to the club. “We sensed he was leaning towards staying, but this wasn’t always the case earlier in the season. It’s clear he’s thought long and hard about his future, particularly after achieving that historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.”
Fans and pundits alike will await the official announcement, which could signal a renewed focus as Guardiola aims to navigate the challenges ahead and further solidify his legacy in English football.
