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Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has agreed to a new one-year contract, ensuring his continued tenure at the club until at least the summer of 2025, according to reports.
The 53-year-old’s current deal was set to expire at the end of this season, but after positive discussions with club officials, Guardiola is poised to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium for a 10th year.
Guardiola has remained tight-lipped about his future, but the new agreement will extend his record-breaking reign, making him the longest-serving manager in the Premier League following the departure of Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool.
Guardiola, who joined City from Bayern Munich in 2016, has transformed the club into one of Europe’s elite sides, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
His tenure has seen City become the second English men’s team to win the Treble and the first to secure four consecutive Premier League titles. They also reached 100 Premier League points in the 2017-18 season.
Although City have struggled in recent weeks, with four consecutive losses across all competitions, they remain in second place in the Premier League, just five points behind leaders Liverpool. Guardiola has addressed the team’s recent slump, suggesting that after a dominant seven years, “maybe one year another team deserve it.”
Guardiola’s decision to stay will be a boost to the club, especially with the impending departure of long-time ally and director of football Txiki Begiristain, who will leave at the end of the season. Begiristain, who has been a close friend of Guardiola, will be replaced by Hugo Viana, who joins from Sporting CP.
Guardiola’s new deal could include an option for a second year, though this remains unconfirmed. Guardiola’s leadership continues to be vital to the club, especially with the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup set to be held in the United States next June.
While some have suggested that the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s future has contributed to the team’s poor form, the manager has remained resolute in his support for the club. He has also continued to back City in light of the Premier League’s ongoing investigation into 115 charges against the club, which they deny.
Guardiola, who previously signed contract extensions in 2020 and 2022, has previously indicated that he wanted to be “really convinced” that any future extension was in the best interest of the club.
