Txiki Begiristain subject to immediate interest from clubs ahead of Manchester City exit | OneFootball

Manchester City’s outgoing Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain is already attracting interest and attention from across the sport, according to reports.

The 60-year-old will bring an end to his time as the reigning Premier League champions’ long-standing Director of Football upon the conclusion of the ongoing season, with Manchester City kept informed of the situation throughout its progression.

In fact, there is a belief that Begiristain was originally intending to leave Manchester City five years ago, but prolonged his stay at the Etihad Stadium given his enjoyment at working on the club’s project as well as alongside close friend and colleague, Pep Guardiola.

But Begiristain’s departure is unlikely to have a knock-on effect on the decision still to be taken by the Manchester City manager, who is into the final months of his existing contract at the club and weighing up whether to take his stay into a 10th season.

However, while Txiki Begiristain has been working at the very top of football for the large majority of his life, it appears as though his exit from Manchester City may not be the end of his career in the game entirely, amid some suggestion of a retirement.

According to the information of MailSport’s Sami Mokbel, Txiki Begiristain is expected to ‘take some time out’ of football before deciding on his next role within the game when he leaves Manchester City at the end of the ongoing season.

However, it is further revealed that a number of clubs are already ‘preparing to offer’ Begiristain work – initially on a consultancy basis – once he leaves his current position with the Premier League champions.

Mokbel reveals that there is ‘particular interest’ in the hugely successful 60-year-old director from the Saudi Pro League, where a number of high-profile names and faces from the sport have already been drawn, both on and off the pitch.

Begiristain’s work at Manchester City is far from over however, and his decisions are likely to play a significant role on the way the club looks beyond his time with them, having already decided upon his successor.

As confirmed by Manchester City earlier this month, Begiristain will be replaced by Sporting CP’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana with the intention being to welcome the Portuguese official in early 2025 for a transitional period alongside the Spanish official.

Txiki Begiristain is also likely to play a significant role in contractual negotiations with the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, as well as Pep Guardiola – should he opt to remain with the club.