Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City this summer claims insider – Deal ‘all but agreed’ with replacement

The timing of the latest claims is far from ideal, with Guardiola’s men knowing that any slip-up against David Moyes’ squad at the Hill Dickinson Stadium could hand the advantage back to Mikel Arteta’s side and put the Gunners within touching distance of the top-flight crown.

Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City

According to the information of reliable insider ‘Hand of Arsenal’ on X, Pep Guardiola will step down from his role as Manchester City head coach at the end of the season, with a deal ‘all but agreed’ with Enzo Maresca to take charge next season.

The source explained on Saturday, “Everyone at their club knows this is the direction of travel and they have gone as far as to talk about naming a stand [at the Etihad Stadium] in his honour.

“The reason it has not been reported as of yet is because every single credible journalist fears Pep and his erratic nature of making a u-turn ‘out of the blue’ and you can’t attach your life’s work and reputation to such an erratic yet genius human being without being 100000% sure and I respect that.

“In summary, City have prepared for life without him with everything in place hoping he says ‘we cannoh replace me’. The direction of travel is for him to step down and they have agreed an in-depth package with Maresca.

“They will deny it and I respect that but… Let the chips fall where they may.”

What could come next for Man City, and for Guardiola?

Should Pep Guardiola indeed step down as suggested, the Catalan will leave behind a legacy that has fundamentally altered not only Manchester City’s place and standing in the European game, but also the entire landscape of English football.

Since his arrival in 2016, Guardiola has amassed six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and the club’s first ever UEFA Champions League trophy.

The prospect of Enzo Maresca – who was Guardiola’s assistant during the 2023 Treble-winning season – taking the reins suggests a desire for continuity in style and philosophy under the guidance of new sporting director Hugo Viana.

Speculation is already mounting as to Pep Guardiola’s next move within the game, with reports suggesting the Italy national team job could be a ‘gamble’ that attracts him on the international stage.

For City fans, the final month of the 2025/26 season has suddenly become a bittersweet farewell tour, and with the FA Cup Final against Chelsea just two weeks away, the priority remains a clean sweep of trophies to ensure the most successful coach in the club’s 132-year history leaves on the highest possible note.