Pep Guardiola and Manchester City Agree to One-Year Contract Extension With Option for Another Year

Speculations around Pep Guardiola’s future with Manchester City have risen following their subpar start to the 2024/25 season. It reached a fever pitch after Txiki Begiristain announced his decision to leave City at the end of the season. However, City fans can put their worst fears to rest now, as the Cityzens have agreed a one-year contract extension with the Catalan Mastermind.

The 53-year-old's current contract with Manchester City was supposed to run out at the end of the season. But after agreeing to a new contract, Guardiola will become just the third City manager to cross the 10-year mark. The Athletics’ Sam Lee broke the news, and it surely has put to rest any speculations around Pep Guardiola’s future. According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, “New contract to be valid until June 2026, as Sam Lee reports — with an option to extend until June 2027. As revealed in October, City was always confident to keep Pep — never spoke to other coaches.” 

Before Pep’s new deal was announced, several managers like Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were linked to the City managerial job. However, as per reports from Romano, “Manchester City never contacted any other coach as they were always confident to keep Pep Guardiola. It was an internal feeling even after Txiki Begiristain’s decision to leave the club in 2025. Not even one single contact with Xabi Alonso or Rúben Amorim despite links.” Official confirmation of the deal is expected soon. 

Pep’s contract extension will boost the mood of City players, who have looked uncharacteristically off-the-races. The Sky Blues have started the season in an underwhelming fashion. Having accumulated 23 points from 11 Premier League games, City are already five points behind league leaders Liverpool. Additionally, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham Hotspur at the Round of 16 stage. On the continental front, the Cityzens have delivered inconsistent performances. After four games, the Sky Blues occupy the 10th spot with 7 points. Their 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP highlighted City’s failing this season. 

Following that embarrassing defeat, Pep provided a hint into his future with the club. He said, “It is a tough challenge, but I am here. It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.” However, just days after their 4-1 loss to Sporting, City were on the wrong side of a 2-1 comeback by Brighton. That defeat to Brighton means that the Cityzens have now lost four games on the bounce. It’s the first time Pep has lost four consecutive games. Manchester City’s season hangs in the balance as they gear up for a pivotal showdown against Tottenham on 23rd November. A loss could deliver a crushing blow to their Premier League title aspirations, but a win? That could be the spark they desperately need to reignite their campaign and provide them with the imputes to go on a winning streak. 

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