30th June 2026
June 30 – Chelsea say Enzo Maresca will personally pay them compensation now he has been confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager.
Maresca was unveiled as Pep Guardiola’s successor at the Etihad this week on a three-year deal months after he walked out at Chelsea.
But while City were forced to agree a compensation package with their Premier League rivals to sign Maresca, Chelsea say they have also agreed a package with the Italian.
Maresca resigned at Stamford Bridge in January. But Chelsea claim they learned last autumn that Maresca might have the chance to succeed Guardiola at City, and that it became clear this was “his strong desire,” despite a long-term contract “which he had no right to terminate.”
Chelsea said a confidential settlement was reached with City, “which includes the payment of compensation,” plus a separate settlement under which Maresca will pay compensation himself.
Maresca said: “I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.” He apologised for the disruption, adding it was “neither my intention nor my wish.”
The fallout at Chelsea was severe. Maresca joined in 2024 and won the Conference League and Club World Cup before quitting. Successor Liam Rosenior was then sacked in April after a dismal run left Chelsea 10th and out of Europe.