Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City in November 2024, but the Catalan coach could still leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City portrait before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Manchester City and Galatasaray A.S. at City of Manchester Stadium on January 28, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola could leave at the end of the season(Image: Nigel French/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola's contract extension may not be the cast-iron guarantee of his presence at Manchester City through to 2027 that many assumed. Instead, his most recent deal could have been strategically arranged to deflect attention during what might be his swan song at the Etihad.
The Spanish tactician put pen to paper on a two-year extension last November. However, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, there's 'an extremely strong chance' the manager will depart when the current campaign concludes.
Reports indicate the club had anticipated Guardiola would only commit to a single year until 2026, rather than the 24-month agreement he ultimately signed. There's speculation it may have been 'a clever and sensible decision' to ease the burden of expectation during a potential farewell season.
That said, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has historically honoured every contract he's signed. These revelations come after The Times reported growing belief amongst rival Premier League managers that Guardiola is indeed in his final campaign.
One source allegedly informed their board members they're convinced the 55-year-old will be moving on Questions about whether Guardiola would fulfil his contract intensified last month when it emerged that former City assistant Enzo Maresca had informed Chelsea hierarchy he'd held several discussions with the club regarding succeeding Guardiola.
The City boss, had a prickly response when questioned about Maresca's departure from Chelsea and the potential implications for his own future at the Etihad. Guardiola retorted: "Oh my God. I have a contract. I've said it a thousand million times. I know you are bored of me, 10 years here. You want [me to leave]? Yeah, I'm pretty sure of that."
In the meantime, Xabi Alonso has also parted ways with Real Madrid, potentially putting him in the running for the City job should they require a new manager. The Premier League icon has previously stated that he plans to take a hiatus from football management after his tenure at City ends.
Premier League managers are said to expect Pep Guardiola to leave at the end of the season.
Premier League managers are said to expect Pep Guardiola to leave at the end of the season.(Image: PA)
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Guardiola, who has clinched six Premier League titles in nine seasons, shared his intentions with ESPN Brasil in May 2025. "After my contract with City, I'm going to stop. I am sure. I don't know if I'm going to retire, but I'm going to take a break," Guardiola revealed.
As for his legacy, he said: "How I want to be remembered, I don't know. I want people to remember me however they want.
"All coaches want to win so we can have a memorable job, but I believe that the fans of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have had fun watching my teams play. I don't think we should ever live thinking about whether we're going to be remembered."
Guardiola is set to address the press on Tuesday lunchtime ahead of City's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.