Enzo Maresca is reportedly Manchester City’s top choice to replace Pep Guardiola

Enzo Maresca has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Manchester City should Pep Guardiola depart at the end of the season.

Speculation continues to surround Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, with the decorated Spaniard now inside the final 18 months of his current contract.

Talks over a potential extension have yet to make meaningful progress, fueling discussion about possible successors.

Maresca is currently available after leaving Chelsea on New Year’s Day. The Italian tactician is highly familiar with City’s structure and philosophy, having previously worked within the club’s academy setup before returning as a key member of Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Maresca is the firm favourite among the Manchester City hierarchy to succeed Guardiola if a managerial change materialises.

The club is said to hold him in high regard, valuing both his coaching credentials and his alignment with City’s footballing identity.

Guardiola, who has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, remains under contract, and no final decision has been announced regarding his future.