Reports: Guardiola to leave Manchester City at season end, Maresca in frame

Pep Guardiola is expected to step down as Manchester City manager at the end of the current Premier League season, according to multiple reports on May 18, 2026. The departure would close a decade-long tenure that has delivered sustained success and reshaped the club’s modern era. The 55-year-old is reportedly set to confirm his decision after City’s final home match of the campaign against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium. Manchester City has not issued an official statement on the speculation.

This season City secured a domestic cup double, lifting both the League Cup and the FA Cup. Saturday’s FA Cup win over Chelsea marked Guardiola’s 20th trophy with the club, underscoring the scale of his achievements since arriving in Manchester. A parade is scheduled in the city on Monday to celebrate the cup triumphs, an event that could also serve as an informal farewell if his exit is confirmed.

Guardiola’s current contract is due to run until June 2027. After the FA Cup final, he brushed aside questions about his future in a post-match interview, responding, “What rumours?” before closing with, “Have a lovely evening.” The club has maintained silence over the reports, and no official timeline for any announcement has been provided.

Maresca linked to succeed Guardiola

Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been widely mentioned as the leading candidate to replace Guardiola. Maresca left Chelsea four months ago and guided the London club to the FIFA Club World Cup title last year. While he is considered the front-runner, there has been no announcement of formal talks, an agreement or an appointment, and the succession plan remains unconfirmed.

Guardiola’s expected departure would conclude one of the most successful managerial spells in Premier League history. City’s playing style and consistency under his tenure have set benchmarks domestically and in Europe, with the latest cup double reinforcing the competitive level sustained throughout his reign. Any change on the touchline will bring questions about continuity, recruitment priorities and how the next manager will manage an established, title-chasing squad.

City’s season run-in and timing

Reports indicate City still have two league fixtures to complete and must win both to keep their title hopes alive, starting away at Bournemouth on Tuesday. They also need Arsenal to drop points at Crystal Palace on Sunday for City to retain a chance of finishing top of the league. Against that backdrop, the anticipated timing of Guardiola’s announcement—after the final match against Aston Villa—would bring clarity immediately after the league campaign concludes.

With a celebratory parade planned for Monday and speculation intensifying, attention now turns to when the club and Guardiola will go on the record and whether the succession process accelerates. Supporters and the wider game will be watching for any formal communication from City and signs that the managerial handover is moving forward.

Any confirmation from the manager or club, and any development on the shortlist led by Maresca, will shape City’s summer planning and set the tone for next season.