Maresca agrees verbal deal to become Manchester City manager

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca has reached a verbal agreement to become Manchester City’s new manager on an initial three-year deal, sources close to the club say, ending weeks of speculation over Pep Guardiola’s succession.

The Italian, long touted as the ideal candidate to follow Guardiola, returns to the Etihad Stadium having previously worked as an assistant coach at Manchester City.

His recent spell in senior management at Chelsea adds first-team experience to a profile built on tactical familiarity with City’s playing style and many of the squad’s players.

Fans celebrated the apparent continuity in playing philosophy, while rival camps assessed how City might evolve under his leadership.

Details of the agreement remain subject to formal contract signatures and club announcements, but those close to negotiations say the structure is for an initial three-year term.

City’s board are understood to have prioritised a candidate who could maintain the club’s attacking identity and develop talent from within — traits Maresca displayed during his time on Pep Guardiola’s staff.

If completed, the appointment would mark a new era at Manchester City as the club transitions away from Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade.

Formal confirmation is expected once paperwork is finalised and the club completes its official announcement.