Pep Guardiola extends his Manchester City contract until 2026.©(@greger_sf )
Pep Guardiola is set to stay at Manchester City for another year after agreeing to a contract extension. This will keep him with the team until the end of the 2025-26 season. The agreement, which reportedly includes an option for an additional year, positions Guardiola to complete a decade in charge of the club, a tenure marked by unprecedented success.
Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has led the team to six Premier League titles, including the last four in a row. His reign has seen the club achieve historic milestones, such as becoming the first men’s team to win four consecutive English top-flight titles and the only side to accumulate 100 points in a Premier League season. The club’s trophy haul under Guardiola also includes two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the coveted Champions League title, secured in 2023 as part of a historic treble.
Guardiola’s current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, raising questions about his future. While the Football Association approached Guardiola following Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England manager, the role ultimately went to Thomas Tuchel. Reports from The Athletic and other sources indicate that Guardiola has chosen to remain with City, with an official announcement expected soon.
The contract extension comes during a challenging period for Manchester City. The club is under investigation for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, with a ruling anticipated later this season. Guardiola has been a steadfast defender of the club throughout the process, emphasizing that City should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
On the pitch, City is currently second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool. This season has seen Guardiola experience an uncharacteristic rough patch, with the team suffering four consecutive defeats across all competitions, excluding penalty shootouts. It is the first time in Guardiola’s managerial career that he has encountered such a losing streak.
Behind the scenes, significant changes are also on the horizon. Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football and a key figure in Guardiola’s recruitment, will step down at the end of the season. Hugo Viana from Sporting Lisbon has been identified as his likely successor. Despite these transitions, Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay provides much-needed stability for the club.
Guardiola’s bond with Manchester City remains strong. Last month, supporters unveiled a banner urging him to stay, to which Guardiola responded by reaffirming his deep connection to the club. His new contract ensures that this partnership, which has transformed English football, will continue to shape the future of the Premier League champions.
