By Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract extension, with the option to extend for an additional year until 2027. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, as per reports from The Athletic.
The 53-year-old Spaniard’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season. This extension would see Guardiola remain at the club for over a decade, having taken charge in the summer of 2016. During his tenure, he has led City to unprecedented success, winning 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
Speculation about Guardiola’s future had intensified recently following the announcement that City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will leave his role at the end of the season. Begiristain, a close associate of Guardiola, is set to be replaced by Hugo Viana, Sporting Lisbon’s current director of football and a former Newcastle player.
Securing Guardiola’s future is seen as critical for the club, which faces a challenging season both on and off the pitch. Injuries have disrupted City’s campaign, with the team currently enduring their worst form under Guardiola, losing four consecutive matches across all competitions. Off the field, the club is also contending with 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Ben Ransom, a sports journalist, noted the timing of the extension as pivotal:
“It feels like Guardiola has reflected deeply on his future. Despite contemplating leaving after last season’s triumph, his love for the club and loyalty to Manchester City seem to have influenced his decision. With the departure of Begiristain and the arrival of Hugo Viana, Guardiola appears ready to lead City through this transitional phase.”
Guardiola’s decision to stay underscores his commitment to the club, which faces major competitions ahead, including the Club World Cup next summer. His extended presence offers stability and continuity during a challenging yet promising chapter in Manchester City’s history.
