Currently, rumours are circulating that Pep Guardiola might leave Manchester City at the end of the season. This would be a monumental turn of events – especially so when you consider that his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.
As such, the Sky Blues could be in a position where they need to appoint a new manager before the start of the 2026/27 season. Here are five possible candidates for the role – including two current Premier League bosses.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has done an excellent job at Bournemouth. The Cherries were a struggling outfit when he arrived – since then, Iraola has turned them into an exciting, vibrant, free-flowing team.
There have been a few ups and downs this season, but this is understandable when you look at how cavalier Iraola’s style of play is.
His managerial style isn’t considered as Guardiola’s, but he would certainly bring entertainment to the Etihad Stadium if he was appointed.
Vincent Kompany
This one is a no-brainer. Vincent Kompany is a beloved figure at City, having captained the club through one of their most successful eras.
Like Iraola, Kompany also employs a very attacking style of football, to varying degrees of success. Nevertheless, he was able to lead Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title last season.
It looks highly likely that he will repeat the feat this season, as they are currently nine points ahead of the team in second. It won’t be easy to wrestle him away from Bayern, but if any club can do it, it’s City.
Unai Emery
This could be a controversial pick. Unai Emery has been at his best when managing underdog outfits – he exceeded all expectations at Villarreal and is doing an excellent job with Aston Villa.
At superclubs like City, Emery generally falls short – as evidenced by his ill-fated stint with Arsenal. Nevertheless, as a more mature coach at present, we think Emery is ready for another shot at the big time.
As things stand, Villa are third in the Premier League table, just three points behind league leaders Arsenal. Could Emery build upon this level of success at City?
Xavi
Xavi has been out of a job for well over a year now, having left Barcelona in the summer of 2024. Could he be the man to replace Guardiola?
The former Spanish international came under criticism during his stint in charge at the Camp Nou, but still managed to win a La Liga title in 2023.
Guardiola made a name for himself at Barcelona before making the jump to City – could Xavi follow a similar path to his international compatriot?
Enzo Maresca
Should Guardiola leave City, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would be the Sky Blues’ most likely target. He served as Guardiola’s assistant for several years and developed his own style under the tutelage of the Spaniard.
In many ways, Maresca’s style of play is very similar to Guardiola’s – as such, there shouldn’t be too many teething troubles if he is brought on board.
Despite this, there are a few snags. Maresca struggles to keep his teams consistent – Chelsea’s spotty form this season is a testament to this. Additionally, Chelsea will be keen to keep him – they won’t let him go without a fight.