Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as a top contender to take over at Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs, according to recent reports. With Guardiola’s contract at City set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, the Premier League champions are already assessing potential successors for the man widely regarded as one of the greatest football coaches of his generation. Amorim, a rising star in the managerial world, is reportedly under serious consideration by City’s hierarchy as they prepare for the possibility of life after Guardiola.
Amorim, who has gained a strong reputation for his success with Sporting CP, has led the Portuguese giants to two Primeira Liga titles and is known for his tactical acumen, ability to develop young talent, and adaptable coaching style. According to a report from *The Guardian*, Manchester City view Amorim as the leading candidate to fill Guardiola’s shoes if the Spanish manager decides to move on. The club’s interest in Amorim is further boosted by the impending arrival of Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, who will take over the same role at City in 2025. The existing relationship between Viana and Amorim could make the transition smoother, should City choose to appoint the 39-year-old.
One key factor in Manchester City’s potential appointment of Amorim is who his first major signing might be. Spanish outlet *Fichajes* reports that Amorim and Viana could target Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres as a marquee signing for the club. Gyökeres, who has been in prolific form for Sporting, scoring 55 goals in just 61 appearances, has attracted attention from several top European clubs. The Swedish forward has quickly become one of the hottest properties in Portuguese football, and should City make a move for him, it would signal a major statement of intent in the post-Guardiola era.
Gyökeres is being touted as a potential replacement for City’s current talisman, Erling Haaland. Despite only being at City for a short time, Haaland has already made a significant impact, shattering goal-scoring records. However, there has been growing speculation that the Norwegian could seek a move to Spain in the future, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly vying for his signature. If Haaland were to depart, Gyökeres could be the ideal candidate to fill the void left by one of the world’s best strikers.
While Amorim appears to be the frontrunner for the job, there is still a possibility that Guardiola could remain at Manchester City beyond his current contract. Reports from *The Telegraph* suggest that Guardiola is considering signing a one-year extension, which would see him stay at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. If he does extend his contract, Guardiola’s tenure at City would reach a decade, an unprecedented achievement at a top Premier League club. Guardiola himself has hinted that the 2025/26 season could be his last with City, as he looks for a new challenge after winning virtually every major trophy during his time in Manchester.
In preparation for Guardiola’s potential departure, City have begun laying the groundwork for a succession plan. Along with Amorim, Bournemouth’s highly-rated manager Andoni Iraola and Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso are also on City’s radar. Alonso, in particular, has garnered attention for his work in Germany, where he has transformed Bayer Leverkusen into serious Bundesliga contenders. However, Alonso’s stock is also rising in Spain, with Real Madrid reportedly eyeing him as a future manager once Carlo Ancelotti’s reign comes to an end.
For now, though, Amorim remains the favorite to take over at City if Guardiola departs, and he has been linked with other high-profile Premier League clubs in the past. Earlier this year, Amorim was in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has also held talks with Chelsea and West Ham over managerial positions. His impressive work at Sporting has also attracted interest from Manchester United, who could consider Amorim as a replacement if Erik ten Hag fails to turn things around at Old Trafford.
In other transfer news, Manchester City are also keeping a close eye on Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella ahead of the January transfer window. With midfielder Rodri sidelined for the season due to knee surgery, City are looking to bolster their options in the center of the park. Barella, who has been a standout performer for Inter, is reportedly on the radar of several top clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. City’s interest in Barella is part of a broader scouting operation that includes other midfielders like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Atalanta’s Ederson.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, is said to be preparing a massive bid to bring Erling Haaland to Camp Nou in either 2025 or 2026. Laporta reportedly wants to secure Haaland as one of his final major signings during his presidency. However, sources close to the situation have indicated that Barcelona’s financial difficulties make such a deal unlikely. Given the enormous costs involved in signing Haaland, including transfer fees and wages, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to mount a credible challenge to Real Madrid, who are also keen to bring the Norwegian to Spain.
As Manchester City prepare for a future that could see Guardiola leave, they are not only planning for managerial changes but also looking ahead to potential squad reinforcements. Whether Ruben Amorim takes the reins at City or another candidate emerges, the club’s ambitions remain as high as ever, with both domestic and European success in their sights. The next few months could prove pivotal in shaping the future of the Premier League champions.