Major Pep Guardiola contract development hinted in decision that ‘suits’ both him and Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could reportedly yet extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium by a further 12 months, according to a club insider.

The latest development on the future of the Catalan coach comes as concern begins to grow amongst Manchester City supporters over his contract situation, with his existing deal running until the end of next season.

While Pep Guardiola himself has always insisted on a lack of need for urgency when it comes to his future, and the coach retaining a strong relationship built on conversation and trust with the club’s hierarchy, some supporters – and possibly players – may want clarity.

But as the end of Guardiola’s current penultimate season in charge of Manchester City rapidly approaches, there has been an update on the situation that could benefit all parties concerned when the time ultimately comes for the legendary head coach to step away from duties.

That is according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, who reveals that Pep Guardiola may sign a 12-month extension to his existing Etihad Stadium contractual agreement, in a move that ‘suits’ both the Club and the Catalan coach.

It is claimed that such an extension to the 53-year-old’s deal ‘gives the flexibility’ to see how he feels before the end of the 2024/25 season, when his existing agreement is due to expire, ‘without causing uncertainty or questions’.

It is further detailed that such an extension would simultaneously grant Pep Guardiola the opportunity to either complete a decade at the Etihad Stadium, or walk away from his position ‘with a handshake’ if a ‘suitable candidate’ to replace him presents itself to club bosses.

At present, there is little in the way of clarity surrounding who Manchester City may want to see come in to succeed Pep Guardiola as the club’s head coach, despite the club monitoring the development, coaching styles, and results of some profiles.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is likely to be one name being monitored by Manchester City given his remarkable successes in the Bundesliga, while Pep Guardiola has previously spoken of his huge admiration for Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Further afield, but somewhat closer to home in a sense, and some reports have even indicated a watching brief and admiration for the work of Míchel Sanchez at City Football Group side Girona in La Liga.