Pep Guardiola is closer to leaving Manchester City insists former Etihad Stadium manager | OneFootball

Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes Pep Guardiola is heading towards an exit at the Etihad Stadium, having initially felt that he would depart this summer.

Guardiola, whose contract with City runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, has consistently avoided making long-term commitments beyond that date, leading many to believe his legendary spell in charge could be drawing to a close.

The Catalan’s future has been a regular talking point, especially after guiding City through a challenging 2024/25 season that ended without silverware and saw the club fall out of the Premier League title race before rallying to secure a top-four finish.

Reports throughout the past year have underlined Guardiola’s growing emotional fatigue after nearly a decade in Manchester. The departures of senior figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker this summer – coupled with increasing squad transition – have only intensified questions about how long he is prepared to remain at the helm.

Some within the footballing world, including media in Spain, have already suggested this summer was seriously considered as a possible endpoint. While Guardiola publicly reaffirmed his commitment earlier this year, City’s approach to squad-building – including the signings of young talents like Claudio Echeverri, Rayan Cherki, and Vitor Reis – suggests the club is preparing for the future beyond the 54-year-old.

Internally, the arrival of experienced figures such as Pepijn Lijnders, previously Klopp’s right-hand man, has also been viewed as strategic succession planning.

Now, speaking on behalf of CLUB, Stuart Pearce – the former Manchester City manager – has opened up on his thoughts surrounding the future of Pep Guardiola, and when the legendary Catalan could finally call time on his Etihad Stadium tenure.

“You know what, I thought he was going to leave this summer, and I thought he might have been doing it the summer before as well,” Pearce admitted.

“We’re closer to the end than the start, but I’ve given up predicting when Pep decides to call it a day at City,” he continued. “I’ll be saddened when he does actually leave City, because his brand of football, his personality, all the things, make him a credit to the Premier League.”

Pearce added, “I was sad to see Jurgen Klopp leave the year before last.”

Pep Guardiola’s legacy at City is already beyond comparison, having delivered six Premier League titles, a historic treble, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.

However, should he choose to walk away in 2026 or even earlier, the focus will inevitably shift to who might succeed him. Names such as Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi, and even Mikel Arteta have been floated in the past as potential candidates, although City’s hierarchy are expected to take their time and stay aligned with Guardiola’s footballing principles.

What comes next could hinge on whether Pep Guardiola feels his new-look squad can go again. With key figures like Kevin De Bruyne having now moved on, and youngsters like Oscar Bobb, Rayan Cherki, and Claudio Echeverri coming through, the next two seasons might represent a final transitional chapter for the Catalan before handing over the reins.

For now, Manchester City fans will hope Pep Guardiola’s commitment holds firm until at least the summer of 2027.

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