Manchester City insider names Premier League manager as potential ‘frontrunner’ to replace Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City successor may already be operating within the Premier League, a new report has revealed.

It is the latest development concerning the future and next phase of Manchester City’s project, as concerns continue to build over the decision still to be taken by manager Pep Guardiola over his next steps in the game.

The Catalan’s current Manchester City contract, extended in the Autumn of 2022, is due to expire at the end of the ongoing season, and potentially prior to the side’s FIFA Club World Cup adventure in the United States over next summer.

Whilst those within the Etihad Stadium have certainly not closed down the idea of Pep Guardiola extending into a 10th season at the club, and will continue to do all they can to persuade him to do so, they are expected to be analysing their coaching successor.

And that search has seemingly led them towards a coach within the Premier League who is continuing to achieve exceptional highs and develop his current squad to a new level not seen by the club in recent times.

That is according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, who reports that should Unai Emery continue to impress at Aston Villa, the Spaniard will be a ‘frontrunner’ to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

One additional fascinating detail to add to the story is that Emery’s director of football at Villa Park, Monchi, has always been admired by Manchester City’s current sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who is expected to retire when Guardiola ends his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has been hugely outspoken about the qualities of Unai Emery, and his ongoing achievements at Villa Park, praising both his style of play and the over management standards held by the 52-year-old.

Speaking last season, Guardiola said of the Aston Villa boss and his current side, “[They are] excellent the way they play. Unai Emery and the consistency in every season, Villa is impressive and always he has done really well.”

Guardiola continued, “It’s not a surprise the quality of him and his management and the quality of the team. I didn’t watch all games because I don’t think all managers watch all the games of opponents. I think he’s playing the same system. They have really good set-pieces and transitions with the two incredible fast players up front.

“The shape is really clear what they do. They can do high pressing and afterwards defend very well with a back four or back five and a really structured line. [They have] an exceptional keeper. That is why they are where they are, fighting to be there.”

Manchester City would face a significant uphill battle to secure the services of Unai Emery as their next coach, should it be required from next summer, with the Aston Villa boss signing a new extension with the Birmingham club last May and running until the summer of 2029.