Manchester City have moved significantly closer to appointing a new head coach after reaching an agreement with Chelsea over the release of Italian tactician Enzo Maresca, as the Premier League champions prepare for life after outgoing manager Pep Guardiola.
The deal, which involves a reported compensation package, is expected to bring Maresca back to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously served as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff during the club’s historic 2022–23 treble-winning season.
His familiarity with the team’s structure and playing philosophy has made him the leading candidate to take over the managerial role.
Although City have been pushing to finalise the appointment quickly, the process was initially slowed down by contractual and legal issues involving Chelsea.
Maresca, despite stepping away from his role at Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, remained bound by terms of his contract, forcing both clubs into extended negotiations.
Those discussions have now reportedly concluded, with both sides agreeing on a settlement believed to be in the region of £17 million to complete the arrangement.
The agreement effectively removes the final obstacle, clearing the way for Maresca to formally begin his new role at the Etihad.
For Chelsea, the compensation package offers a financial windfall as they continue restructuring after a turbulent period in the dugout.
Maresca’s coaching trajectory
Enzo Maresca’s return to Manchester marks another rapid step in a coaching career that has steadily gathered momentum.
After serving as Guardiola’s assistant, he launched his managerial journey with Leicester City, where he successfully guided the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
That achievement paved the way for his appointment at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024, where he further enhanced his reputation for tactical organisation and squad management.
Despite parting ways with Chelsea earlier in the year amid reported differences over club direction, Maresca left with his reputation intact.
During his spell in charge, he reportedly delivered silverware, including the Conference League and the 2025 Club World Cup, reinforcing his growing status among Europe’s emerging top coaches.
