Guardiola May Leave City After Next Season Despite Extended Deal

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, could step down as soon as next summer even though he signed a contract that runs until 2027 last year, reports say.

Since arriving at the Etihad in 2016, Guardiola has led the club to six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, and many other wins. He added a two-year extension to his deal only twelve months ago, so he is still under contract.

Still, sources close to Guardiola have suggested he might depart after ten years in charge. They say leaving next summer would be a natural next step in his career. No final call has been made, and past reports of his exit have sometimes been proven wrong when he chose to stay and sign new terms.

Guardiola has said publicly he plans to take a break when he leaves City. He said: “I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure. It’s decided, more than decided.”

In a later interview he clarified his timing: “No, no, no I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes.” He also repeated his plan to rest after City: “But I’m saying when I finish my time here, I don’t know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years – I don’t know – I will take a break. I won’t retire but I will take a break, for sure.”

Guardiola may yet add more trophies before any exit. City remain title contenders this season. They sit four points behind leaders Arsenal after a 3-0 win over Liverpool, and they face Newcastle United after the international break.