Pep Guardiola is expected to call time on a spell of unprecedented dominance at Manchester City next summer.
The Catalan, who joined the club eight years ago, has 12 months left on a contract that sources believe will be his last at the Etihad Stadium.
City will give Guardiola space to make a final decision on his future – and want the most successful boss in their history to extend his stay after 15 major trophies, including delivering a first Champions League.
But the club’s hierarchy fear that Guardiola’s ninth year will represent the end. While City stress that there has been no formal indication either way from the 52-year-old, multiple sources within the industry and City have openly discussed the prospect of an impending departure over recent months.
The news will act as a fillip for City’s rivals, who have watched Guardiola mastermind six Premier League titles in seven years and become the first to win four in a row.
Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season
Guardiola, who has won 15 major trophies at City, is entering the last season of his current deal
The club’s hierarchy fear Guardiola will leave despite them wanting to extend his stay
Guardiola has been influential towards Man City’s success since joining the club in 2016
Guardiola was in high spirits as Man City celebrated their fourth consecutive league title
Pep has become the first manager in history to lead his side to four straight English top-flight titles
City’s succession planning will begin, with Girona’s Michel talked up as a potential candidate after impressing in La Liga.
Julian Nagelsmann has a contract with Germany until 2026 and Xabi Alonso is highly thought of, while Guardiola himself admires Roberto De Zerbi.
Guardiola has confirmed that he will be back next season but admitted that he is unsure which stars will head for the exit door over the summer.
Guardiola led the club to a historic Treble – including their first Champions League win in 2023
It was another successful season for City despite only winning the Premier League title
Guardiola would be the next big name to leave the Premier League after Jurgen Klopp quit Liverpool after nine years
Ederson is a target for Al-Ittihad, while Kevin De Bruyne – hooked just before the hour of Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United – is also subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Bernardo Silva has a £50million release clause. A move for Lucas Paqueta is off after his FA charge.
City are also watching the situation with Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United.
