Pep Guardiola’s era at Manchester City is coming to an end. According to the Daily Mail, the Catalan manager will stand down after Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa. The news, first reported on Monday evening, has sent shockwaves through the club and the league, signaling the end of one of football’s most dominant periods.
Guardiola’s departure has been expected for some time, and Tuesday’s papers confirm the mechanisms behind it. The Times reveals that a clause in his contract allows him to exit a year early, paving the way for this summer’s separation. Club staff and players believe a formal announcement could come as soon as next week, immediately following the Villa clash.
The identity of his successor is already settled, with multiple outlets reporting that Enzo Maresca has agreed to take the reins. talkSPORT goes furthest, stating a deal is done, while The Athletic confirms the expectation of Maresca’s appointment. The former Chelsea boss, who left Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, is now primed to return to the Premier League’s summit.
Maresca’s hiring represents a deliberate choice by City’s hierarchy to preserve continuity. While his Chelsea spell was brief and ended under pressure, his tactical philosophy aligns closely with the possession-based, high-pressing identity Guardiola cultivated. The transition is risky—Maresca must quickly earn the respect of a star-studded dressing room—but the club’s belief in his methods is evident.
Guardiola’s exit will reverberate far beyond the Etihad. During his tenure, City have won multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League, and have redefined English football with their relentless style. His departure could shift the competitive landscape, with rivals such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and possibly a rejuvenated Manchester United scenting an opportunity to bridge the gap.
The Times report on the contract clause underscores the mutual respect between Guardiola and the club. It was designed to provide a clean exit, avoiding the rancor that sometimes accompanies managerial changes. City can now accelerate their succession plan without the distraction of a drawn-out negotiation period.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s papers, significant transfer and contract stories are unfolding. The Guardian warns that West Ham United will face immense financial pressure to raise over £100 million through player sales if they suffer relegation. The drop would force a fire sale of key assets, potentially reshaping the Hammers’ squad entirely.
In the market, The i reports that Everton and Aston Villa are both interested in Newcastle United’s 22-year-old Danish forward William Osula. The striker, who has seen limited minutes this season, could be available as clubs across the country plot their summer recruitment.
Manchester United are set to tie down veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton to a one-year contract extension, according to the Daily Mirror. At 40, Heaton will enter his sixth season at Old Trafford, providing experienced cover and leadership in the dressing room.
Off the pitch, the FA is reviewing the staging rules for the FA Youth Cup final after a bitter dispute between Manchester United and Manchester City marred this season’s edition, the Daily Mail reports. The controversy has prompted calls for clearer guidelines to protect the competition’s integrity.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the Etihad, where Guardiola will lead City for the final time. It will be an emotional farewell, but the club is already turning the page. Maresca’s task is monumental: to build on a legacy that has transformed Manchester City and to ensure the silverware continues to arrive.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.