The Manchester CIty boss is expected to leave the club at the end of the season
James Trafford and Tino Livramento of England
James Trafford and Tino Livramento on England duty(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
The days of a manager single-handedly controlling the transfer policy of any football club may be long gone, but Pep Guardiola's Manchester City exit is likely to shake things up this summer.
The Spaniard is expected to leave the Etihad following their final-day Premier League game against Aston Villa, whether it delivers the title or not. Pep is said to be ready to walk away after 10 years at Man City, which leaves big questions about their summer transfer plan.
Of course these days the role of sporting directors mean it's often just the final stamp of approval that is required by the head coach on any deal, although he, like Eddie Howe at Newcastle United, will have a big say on potential targets.
City have been linked with several Newcastle players, while United have interest in at least one Man City star . . . and then there are deals both are keen on finalising.
Guardiola's exit is unlikely to change Man City's ability to bring in the world's top talent, but will whoever replaces him, widely believed to be Enzo Maresca, want the same players? Here are some of the deals Pep's exit could impact.
*Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1*HERE– exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, John Gibson's columns plus an ad-lite experience****
Sandro Tonali
It's been no secret that Manchester City are looking for players to help them regain their place at the top of English football after playng second fiddle to Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League over the last two seasons. Guardiola is said to be a big fan of Sandro Tonali, and while other clubs remain interested, he would fit the bill of a midfielder who can step into the shoes of the likes of Bernardo Silva and Rodri.
City are also likely to be able to afford the £100m+ asking price Newcastle will demand for the Italian, although Arsenal, Man United and Real Madrid could also make a move, if he decides to leave St James' Park.
It's a huge amount of money, so whether City will still be interested post-Pep remains to be seen.
Bernardo Silva's chapter at Manchester City will come to an end in the summer transfer window
Sandro Tonali has been linked wth a move to Man City(Image: Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Tino Livramento
Man City need a right-back and Livramento is widely seen as one of the best young English players in that position, hence the interest earlier this year.
He has been plagued by injuries this season and, like Tonali, Newcastle will demand big bucks for the man they signed from Southampton three years ago. If Anthony Gordon leaves, United will be under less pressure to sell, and while a move to Man City offers more in terms of title bids and Champions League prospects, the allure of working with Guardiola is now removed. Newcastle are keen to keep their best young talent, and Livramento fits into that category.
James Trafford
The Man City goalkeeper has been clear that it's been a frustrating season on the sidelines after his hopes of first-team football were dashed by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Newcastle were very interested in Trafford 12 months ago, and could well reignite a move after he opted to return to City from Burnley in 2025.
Aston Villa are also said to be interested as they look for a replacement for Emi Martinez. The next City manager is perhaps unlikely to strip Donnarumma of his No 1 status, but can he persuade Trafford that he has a big role to play?
Author avatar
Author avatar
Kennet Eichhorn
Both Newcastle and Man City have been linked with a move for Hertha Berlin teenager Kennet Eichhorn. The 16-year-old midfielder has caught the eye in Germany, but would not be able to move to the UK until he is 18.