Manchester City have agreed to pay Chelsea a fee of €20 million to release Italian manager Enzo Maresca from his contract, according to reports from Sky Sport Italia. Maresca is expected to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, returning to the club where he served as assistant manager during the 2022-23 season.
Quick Facts
Reported Fee: €20 million
Involved Clubs: Chelsea → Manchester City
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Previous Role: Chelsea head coach (2024-2026)
Expected Role: Manchester City head coach, replacing Pep Guardiola
Maresca’s Path Back to Manchester
Maresca left Manchester City in the summer of 2023 to embark on his own managerial journey, first guiding Leicester City to the Premier League before being appointed by Chelsea in 2024. His tenure at Stamford Bridge ended abruptly on January 1, 2026, following a reported disagreement over transfer strategy. Despite the premature exit, his reputation as a Guardiola disciple remained intact, with City consistently identifying him as the prime candidate to eventually take over.
“It is no secret that Maresca was the first choice to take over from Guardiola,” noted the report, highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between the two coaches. Maresca’s year as Guardiola’s assistant at City forged a tactical philosophy that aligns seamlessly with the club’s possession-based, high-pressing identity.
The €20m Agreement
Sky Sport Italia claim that City have now triggered the €20m release clause to buy out the remaining portion of Maresca’s Chelsea contract. Such a substantial fee for a manager underscores the premium City place on continuity and tactical alignment. The sum will be paid directly to Chelsea, who are already searching for their next permanent head coach.
Chelsea had initially appointed Maresca with a long-term vision, but tensions over recruitment and squad building led to his departure. The Blues will now receive a significant compensation package, partially offsetting the cost of their managerial change earlier this year.
Succeeding a Legend
Replacing Guardiola is a monumental task given his unprecedented success at City, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. Maresca, however, has been groomed for this exact role. His ability to implement a fluid, attacking system while nurturing young talent is seen as a natural continuation of the project.
The move also signals a vote of confidence in Maresca’s proven track record at youth and senior levels. At Leicester, he demonstrated his capacity to build a cohesive unit, while his brief Chelsea spell showcased his tactical acumen, even if circumstances led to an early exit.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City have reportedly paid €20m to Chelsea to release Enzo Maresca from his contract.
- Maresca is lined up to replace Pep Guardiola, returning to the club where he was formerly an assistant.
- The deal reflects City’s long-standing plan to appoint a coach who embodies the club’s playing philosophy.
- Chelsea recoup a significant fee, which could aid their own search for a new manager.
- The appointment marks the end of an era with Guardiola’s departure, turning the page to a manager intimately familiar with the setup.