Pep Guardiola’s time at Manchester City is closer to its end than its beginning.
The legendary manager has been at the Etihad Stadium since 2016 and has enjoyed unrivalled success over the last nine years, delivering every trophy possible to City fans, while setting a standard never seen before in the Premier League, such as reaching 100 points.
After a tough 2024/25 campaign, Guardiola seems rejuvenated at the FIFA Club World Cup ahead of the new Premier League season, which should be a big worry for the rest of the English top flight.
Nevertheless, the Man City manager’s contract in Manchester expires in 2027, and with the Spaniard expected to leave the Premier League giants when his deal is up, his successor is currently being sought.
Pep Guardiola smiling ahead of Manchester City v Wydad.
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Man City are monitoring the progress of Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas had an incredible playing career, having represented clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea. It is no surprise that the former midfielder has now moved into coaching, as the Spaniard was always one of the brightest stars on any pitch he played on.
After Man City played Chelsea in 2017, Guardiola labelled Fabregas via football.london as “the most special player in the world”, which is an opinion others may have shared throughout his career.
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Fabregas had the chance to join Man City during his career, and having missed out then, the 38-year-old may have the chance in the future as Guardiola’s replacement, with FootballTransfers reporting that the Manchester club are keeping an eye on the Spanish coach’s progress.
The report states that sources close to Man City have revealed a growing admiration for Fabregas, and he is now likely to be one of several options to be considered whenever Guardiola decides that his time at the Etihad Stadium is up.
Fabregas has only just finished his first full season as a manager with Como, after initially being part of the coaching team that got the Italian club promoted to Serie A during the 2023/24 season, and he has already developed a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe.
Como finished tenth in the Italian top flight last season, with Fabregas’ performance as manager catching the attention of both Bayer Leverkusen and Inter; however, the 38-year-old has pledged his near future to his current club.
Cesc Fabregas as coach of Como.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
What do Man City see in Cesc Fabregas
Although Fabregas’ results at Como speak for themselves, the report states that the hierarchy at Man City have not only been impressed by the Spaniard’s coaching vision, but also by his composure, communication skills, and leadership in building a winning culture at his current club.
The Spanish coach is viewed as a ‘natural extension’ of the Guardiola legacy, someone who will understand the club’s tactical DNA and long-term ambitions, while also being immensely familiar with Premier League football after spending time at Arsenal and Chelsea.
When the time comes to replace Guardiola, other names will come into contention. Mikel Arteta will certainly be considered by Man City as the Spaniard has done a very good job at Arsenal over recent seasons.
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany will certainly be a candidate, with the Belgian’s history with the Manchester club needing no explanation, but it seems Fabregas could be the standout at present.