Enzo Maresca set to replace departing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Enzo Maresca has agreed to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, with the Catalan set to step down after Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa.
The current City boss reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Etihad Stadium a year early.
Staff and players at the reigning English champions anticipate an official announcement regarding his departure will be made next week.
Maresca agrees Etihad return
Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has already agreed terms to take over the managerial hot seat.
The Italian tactician previously worked under the departing manager as part of the City coaching staff before embarking on his own successful spells elsewhere.
His appointment would ensure a degree of tactical continuity for a squad accustomed to a highly specific possession-based approach.
An era concludes against Aston Villa
Sunday’s season finale at home to Aston Villa is now poised to serve as an emotional farewell for the most successful manager in the club’s history.
Should the reports prove accurate, it marks the end of a transformative era that saw the Manchester club completely dominate the English top flight.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
In other news, West Ham United will be under immense pressure to raise more than £100m through player sales if they suffer relegation.
Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a move for Newcastle United’s 22-year-old Danish forward William Osula.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is poised to sign a one-year contract extension to remain at Manchester United for a sixth consecutive season.
The Football Association is also set to review rules surrounding the FA Youth Cup final following a furious dispute between both Manchester clubs over this year’s edition.