**Enzo Maresca is close to becoming Manchester City head coach, with Chelsea now set for a compensation payment after the clubs reached an agreement over his move.**
The update turns a long-running Stamford Bridge loose end into a useful financial boost for Chelsea, who had retained contractual leverage after Maresca’s January departure. The former Blues head coach has agreed a three-year deal at City, with [Sky Sports reporting](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/13545794/enzo-maresca-to-man-city-pep-guardiolas-successor-lined-up-as-former-chelsea-boss-agrees-to-take-over-at-etihad-stadium) that City are close to completing the appointment and that compensation has been agreed with Chelsea.
Why the payment matters for Chelsea
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The fee is reported to be above GBP10million, while Sky in Italy has put the package at more than GBP17million. Either way, it gives Chelsea a cleaner end to a managerial exit that had dragged into the summer and threatened to become a legal dispute between two Premier League rivals.
For Xabi Alonso, who officially starts work on July 1, the timing is helpful. Chelsea are already balancing transfer-window decisions, a large squad and a reset after another turbulent managerial cycle. Banked compensation does not transform the market on its own, but it strengthens the club’s position as they prepare for pre-season and make calls on sales, contracts and incoming targets.
The story also underlines why Chelsea did not rush to waive their position. Maresca may now be heading back to the Etihad, but Stamford Bridge are set to receive a tangible return from the deal.