City and Chelsea Near Settlement for Maresca
Manchester City are closing in on a financial agreement with Chelsea that will finally allow them to appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager. The deal, understood to be worth in excess of £10 million, would settle Chelsea's claim that Maresca breached his contract by holding talks with City and Napoli while still employed at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea sources indicate they have gathered sufficient evidence to lodge a complaint with the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach, but the club has opted for a negotiated settlement. Both parties have maintained a good working relationship and are confident of an amicable resolution. A separate legal action against Maresca for breach of contract is also likely to be dropped once the settlement is finalised.
The Chaotic Exit from Chelsea
Maresca's time at Chelsea unravelled dramatically last season. After a promising start, results declined sharply, and the Italian became unsettled following reported approaches from Manchester City and Napoli in the winter months. He informed the Chelsea board of these advances, and the situation culminated in his shock resignation on New Year's Day 2026.
The upheaval left Chelsea in turmoil, eventually finishing a disappointing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European football entirely. To fill the void, Chelsea moved swiftly to appoint Liam Rosenior from their sister club Strasbourg, a deal that itself cost several million pounds in compensation. This was on top of the £8 million Chelsea had paid Leicester City to sign Maresca just two years earlier. The club feels justified in seeking recompense, given the destabilising effect of his departure.
Maresca's Managerial Journey and City's Plan
Enzo Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City. He served as a coach in the club's Elite Development Squad before taking his first senior managerial role at Parma in 2021. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in Italy, he returned to City's backroom staff before landing the Leicester City job in 2024. His single season at the King Power Stadium was a triumph, guiding the Foxes to the Championship title and earning plaudits for his possession-dominant style.
City's interest in Maresca stems from his deep understanding of the club's philosophy, having worked under Pep Guardiola. With Guardiola's departure now a reality, City see Maresca as the ideal candidate to maintain continuity while injecting fresh ideas. The delay in his appointment has been frustrating for all parties, but with 19 City players currently representing their nations at the World Cup, the club has some breathing space before pre-season begins in mid-July.
What This Means for the Premier League Landscape
Once finalised, Maresca's arrival at the Etihad will add another intriguing layer to the Premier League's managerial carousel. His tactical acumen and familiarity with City's setup could pose a significant challenge to rivals. For Chelsea, the settlement provides financial compensation and allows them to fully move on from a turbulent chapter, focusing on a rebuild under Rosenior.
The agreement also underscores the growing willingness of clubs to resolve compensation disputes privately, avoiding the public spectacle and potential sanctions of formal complaints. As the negotiation enters its final stages, both Manchester City and Chelsea are eager to close the book on this saga and prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City are close to paying over £10m to Chelsea to appoint Enzo Maresca as manager.
- Chelsea allege Maresca breached his contract by talking to City and Napoli before resigning in January.
- An amicable settlement is expected, avoiding a Premier League complaint or legal action against Maresca.
- City have time to finalise the deal with many players at the World Cup, but Maresca wants to start soon.
Quick Facts
Clubs involved: Manchester City, Chelsea
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Reported settlement: Over £10 million
Maresca's Chelsea tenure: Resigned January 2026; finished 10th
City pre-season return: Mid-July 2026
Source: The Guardian
