Manchester City icon Sergio Aguero recently shared his insights on the future of Pep Guardiola, whose contract with City expires at the end of the current season. Meanwhile, the club’s esteemed director of football, Txiki Begiristain, is reportedly a hot target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, adding further intrigue to the possible transition in leadership at the Etihad. Guardiola’s uncertain future has sparked considerable debate, with City eager to secure a new deal for the managerial mastermind, though other international teams are rumored to be keeping a close watch.
Guardiola, whose tenure at Manchester City has redefined the club’s trajectory, has seen his name linked with several possible roles outside of England. Notably, the English FA initially sought him as a replacement for Gareth Southgate, although ultimately, they moved to finalize a deal with Thomas Tuchel after concluding they couldn’t wait indefinitely for Guardiola’s decision. Aguero, in an interview with *Mundo Deportivo*, weighed in on the types of roles that might appeal to Guardiola if he chooses to leave City. According to Aguero, a role with a national team, particularly one with an existing pool of talented players, would be more enticing than a return to another European club.
“After managing Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, there really isn’t another club that would challenge Pep in the same way,” Aguero stated. “Taking over a national team would give him more time to focus on training and implementing his tactical ideas, without the daily grind of managing a club team.” He highlighted Brazil and Argentina as likely candidates, though he acknowledged that other European countries could suit Guardiola’s style.
As Aguero points out, a national team role could offer Guardiola a much-needed break from the high-intensity demands of club football, allowing him to enjoy more time with family and opportunities to travel. Guardiola, who has expressed his love for the United States, likely won’t consider coaching there soon, given that Mauricio Pochettino recently took the helm of their national team. Spain, meanwhile, appears an unlikely destination due to Guardiola’s strong links to Catalonia, leaving Brazil as a potential frontrunner in the race for his services.
City, however, are doing all they can to persuade Guardiola to stay. The club has not only invested heavily in players to meet Guardiola’s standards but has also built a structure around him to ensure success. But the allure of a new challenge may still prove tempting to Guardiola, especially as City faces off-the-field issues. With the Premier League currently investigating 115 alleged breaches of financial rules by the club, some sources speculate that a potential relegation to the Championship could, paradoxically, make Guardiola more likely to stay, as he may see it as a unique test of his managerial abilities.
A potential departure would also come at a pivotal time for the club, as Txiki Begiristain, who played an instrumental role in shaping City’s roster, is set to leave the Etihad at season’s end. Begiristain, who joined City in 2012, was essential in bringing Guardiola to the club and has built an enduring professional relationship with him. The Daily Mail reports that Begiristain is now wanted by the Saudi Pro League, which views his extensive network of contacts and track record in European football as valuable assets in their push to establish themselves as a major force in world football. If Begiristain were to move to Saudi Arabia, his reputation for securing high-profile players could potentially fuel further transfers of European stars to the Middle East.
Guardiola’s close bond with Begiristain has been critical to City’s success, and in a recent interview, he shared his feelings about his colleague’s departure: “A part of me is leaving with Txiki. He’s been a friend and the architect of great teams both at Barcelona and here at City. He’s been an incredible support in tough times, always keeping me balanced.” While Guardiola maintains that the club has a “solid, incredible structure,” Begiristain’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty to Guardiola’s own decision-making.
As City fans eagerly await updates on Guardiola’s future, the club continues to position itself strategically in the transfer market. Should Guardiola leave, it could affect the future of star players like Erling Haaland, who is reportedly interested in a move to Real Madrid. Rumors indicate that Haaland’s next contract could include a release clause that would allow him to join the Spanish giants, fueling speculation about a potential future without Guardiola at the Etihad. City, however, are already eyeing options for a successor to Haaland, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres reportedly identified as a potential replacement. Gyokeres, who has scored 13 goals in 13 appearances this season, is seen as someone who could step into Haaland’s shoes and maintain City’s goal-scoring prowess.
City are also reportedly interested in Real Madrid’s Arda Guler as a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently in the final stages of his contract. Guler’s technical skills and versatility make him a suitable candidate for the playmaker role that De Bruyne has mastered over the years, and competition from rivals Arsenal has only increased City’s determination to sign him.
Reflecting on Guardiola’s contributions to Manchester City paints a picture of unprecedented success. Since arriving in 2016, he has won four Premier League titles, including a record-breaking 100-point season in 2017-2018. Guardiola also holds the highest win rate of any Premier League manager, boasting an impressive 74% success rate, with 231 victories in 312 league games. Additionally, under his leadership, City became the first team to win 500 points in just 213 games, and Guardiola was the fastest manager to reach 200 wins in the English top flight.
The next few months will be crucial for City as they try to keep the manager who has transformed their club. Guardiola has stated that he hasn’t yet decided his future, commenting, “When I take it, I will inform you. That’s why there are no leaks.” Until then, City fans, players, and officials can only hope that he chooses to extend his stay at a club that has become synonymous with his innovative and exhilarating brand of football.