Overview
- The Times, cited by multiple outlets, reports insiders view a 2026 exit as a plausible, 'logical' endpoint after ten years, with any decision coming after the season.
- Guardiola has said he will take a break after his City tenure and discussed life beyond football, while clarifying he was not declaring an imminent departure.
- Manchester City are drawing up contingency plans and have discussed Vincent Kompany, Roberto De Zerbi and Andoni Iraola, with Kompany contracted to Bayern Munich until 2029.
- This debate comes as City pursue a deliberate rebuild, with a younger, faster squad, a drop in average age to 24.9 and a tactical shift reflected in lower possession.
- The speculation follows his 1,000th match and an internal change at the top of recruitment, with Hugo Viana replacing Txiki Begiristain as sporting director.