Pep Guardiola has stepped away from Manchester City after ten years in charge, a period during which he guided the club to six Premier League titles, a long-awaited Champions League crown, and numerous domestic cups.

Enzo Maresca is now on the verge of being confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager, following private discussions between the Italian coach and Guardiola.

The Cityzens, who claimed both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during the 2025/26 season, narrowly missed out on giving Guardiola a final Premier League triumph, finishing behind former assistant Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

As reported by The Athletic, Maresca and his Spanish predecessor have already held talks focused on the current composition of Manchester City’s squad.

Veteran players Bernardo Silva and John Stones both departed the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season, adding to the challenges awaiting Maresca as he begins his tenure at the club.

The Italian manager’s immediate priority is not expected to be transfers, but rather building relationships with the existing squad and implementing his footballing philosophy.

Maresca also intends to strengthen the foundations laid by Guardiola in Manchester, which likely explains their recent dialogue ahead of the Cityzens’ upcoming campaign.

The club’s director of football, Hugo Viana, is set to lead Manchester City’s transfer strategy this summer, with a right-back, central midfielder, and winger identified as key targets.

If Maresca takes an active role in player recruitment, it will primarily be in finding a replacement for Bernardo Silva, with Elliot Anderson emerging as the top candidate for that role.

Regarding potential departures, Nico Gonzalez is viewed as the most probable exit from the Etihad, while Tijani Reijnders, Nathan Ake, James Trafford, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, and Omar Marmoush are also being considered possible movers.

Financially, Manchester City remain in a strong position, and the free departures of Silva and Stones are unlikely to impact their transfer plans this summer.

The club may pursue deals similar to the one involving Marc Guehi, who was signed as a future replacement for John Stones six months before the defender’s departure.

Maresca’s first matches as Manchester City boss are expected to come during the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East. Although the travelling squad may not feature many senior players, the club’s transfer dealings are anticipated to provide the Italian with confidence ahead of his debut fixtures.