Pep Guardiola 2.webp
The Digest:

Manchester City have reportedly identified former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas as a potential successor to manager Pep Guardiola, who is widely expected to leave the club this summer. According to reports, the Premier League champions have drawn up a shortlist that also includes Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca. Fàbregas, 38, has impressed in his first managerial role, guiding newly-promoted Como to sixth place in Serie A. The speculation comes amid a dip in City's form, with the team winning only one league game in 2026 and falling six points behind leaders Arsenal, fueling belief that Guardiola's successful decade-long tenure is nearing its end.

Key Points:
  • Guardiola's potential departure marks the impending end of a transformative era that delivered sustained domestic dominance for Manchester City.
  • Identifying Fàbregas signals a bold, forward-thinking approach, betting on a young manager's high potential despite his limited experience.
  • The reported shortlist reflects a preference for candidates with a philosophical connection to Guardiola's style or direct ties to the club's recent culture.
  • For City squad and rivals, a managerial change of this magnitude could trigger a significant period of transition and reshape dynamics in the Premier League.
  • The timing, amid a rare slump, intensifies scrutiny on the club's succession planning and its ability to maintain elite performance post-Guardiola.
While Guardiola's exit is not yet confirmed, City's reported preparatory work underscores the critical juncture the club faces in planning for a future beyond its most successful manager.

Sources: The Telegraph and related football media.