Sources close to Pep Guardiola suggest the legendary manager may be considering stepping down from his post at Manchester City next summer (2026), marking a decade at the Etihad helm. The speculation comes despite Guardiola having signed a contract extension last year that technically ties him to the club until 2027.

The potential early departure is reportedly being driven by Guardiola's personal desire to take a break from the relentless demands of top-level coaching after ten transformative years at the club.In preparation for his eventual exit, Manchester City's hierarchy maintains an ongoing shortlist of potential successors. The current frontrunners are understood to be:

Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)

Roberto De Zerbi (Marseille)

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)

While no final decision has been made, those with knowledge of the situation believe an exit at the culmination of his tenth season would be a logical time for Guardiola to step away, having won every major trophy available