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Correspondent Rob Dawson
Sources have told ESPN that Manchester City will ask Pep Guardiola for a final decision on his future by Christmas.
Guardiola’s Etihad Stadium contract has one year remaining.
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City want the 53-year-old to sign a new contract after he led a period of unprecedented success, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, since joining the Premier League side in 2016. But Guardiola’s strong relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain will give him the freedom to decide how and when he leaves.
He is considering leaving City after the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, with sources telling ESPN that the club wants to make a final decision by Christmas.
A source told ESPN that City recognize how big a task it is to replace Guardiola and want as much time as possible to draw up a succession plan and evaluate potential replacements.
Guardiola has already hinted that his time at City is coming to an end. After the 3-1 win over West Ham, who won a record fourth successive title, he admitted he was “closer to leaving than staying”.
He also said he was “tired” and lacked motivation to prepare for next season.
City expect Guardiola to enter the final year of his contract but sources have accepted he could leave in 2025.
After four years at Barcelona and three years at Bayern Munich, Guardiola has already spent more time at the Etihad than expected. A source told ESPN that while Guardiola is unlikely to take up a club management position, he has ambitions to lead the national team in a major tournament.
The next World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States in 2026. Guardiola’s last appearance as manager is in the summer of 2022, the final year of his City contract. Taking a break ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
