Pep Guardiola has allegedly inked a fresh contract extension with Manchester City.
Since joining Manchester City in 2016, 53-year-old Pep Guardiola has had an impressive run, securing the Premier League title in six of his eight full seasons.
The Spaniard, who has also managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, won the Champions League in 2023 and has accumulated 18 titles overall.
There was considerable speculation regarding his future, given that Guardiola’s contract was set to run out at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
However, The Athletic reports that Guardiola has put an end to the rumors by signing a new one-year contract, with an option for a second year.
The report further states that the 53-year-old’s contract extension will be officially announced in the coming days.
The news comes at a time that could be considered the toughest of Guardiola’s successful reign at the Etihad, with City having suffered four consecutive defeats – his worst run since taking charge.
Many had speculated that Guardiola would depart City at the end of the season, alongside director of football Txiki Begiristain, a close friend who played a key role in bringing him to the club eight years ago.
Guardiola’s recent responses about leaving Manchester City
When asked about the Begiristain news last month, Guardiola confessed, “a part of me is leaving.” However, those close to the club sensed that he wasn’t quite ready to rule out the possibility of staying at City.
Guardiola is known for delaying contract negotiations, with his previous deal signed in November 2022, just over six months before it was set to expire. As a result, this newly reported deal follows a similar pattern.
In fact, Guardiola signed his previous deal on November 19, and two years later, he has agreed to this new contract on the same date.
After the third defeat in their recent four-match run, Guardiola recently dismissed claims that he was no longer up for the challenge, despite the tough stretch his team is currently facing.
“It is a tough challenge, but I am here,” Guardiola said. “It will be a tough season – we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.”
He went on to say, “More than ever, I want to lift the team and bring them back to their highest level.”
As Guardiola’s contract neared its final months, he was rumored to be a potential candidate for the England job before Thomas Tuchel was appointed. At the time, Mail Sport reported that the FA saw the Spaniard as their ideal choice to manage the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, Guardiola is now poised to remain at City, with his future having been a frequent topic of discussion in press conferences and among fans in recent months.
In October, Guardiola stated that City had not pressured him into making a decision about his future.
“I want to be really, really convinced that it’s the best for the club,’ he said. ‘I will not delay an action knowing that I am creating a problem for the club.”
“If I feel there is a problem right now, I will take a decision as quickly as possible. But I don’t have that feeling because they understand the reasons that I have.”
Candidates such as Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were linked as potential replacements for Guardiola, with the Catalan having previously stated that he would be happy to offer his input on selecting the next manager.
He said, “I’m quite sure the club has a plan for when Txiki leaves, and they also have options for when I leave.”
“Sooner or later it’s going to happen and they are prepared. If they ask me my opinion, I will give my opinion.”
“But it’s not my job. The decision will be taken for them, not for me. We’ve shared unbelievable moments together. But it has to be the club. It’s the best.”
“So I would say the new sporting director, the moment I’m not here anymore, has to choose his manager.”
