Why is Pep Guardiola leaving Man City?

Guardiola’s Man City departure: what’s known

Pep Guardiola is widely reported to be leaving Manchester City after the 2025-26 Premier League season, ending a decade-long run that brought the club 17 major trophies (and 20 total) across his tenure.

The key point behind the reports is timing rather than a sudden midseason breakup: City are preparing for his exit at the end of the campaign, with multiple reports indicating that Guardiola has effectively made up his mind. That matters because it shapes how aggressively City plan for recruitment, contract renewals, and squad management during the summer.

Why it matters for the Premier League

• Succession planning becomes urgent: If City already expect a change of manager, the club’s next appointment will carry immediate pressure to sustain title-level performance.
• Title-race uncertainty: City’s weekend matches are still crucial in a tight league situation; managerial distractions often intensify scrutiny on the pitch.
• Expect tactical continuity—then a reset: Guardiola’s style has defined City for years. A new manager—even one expected to bring a different emphasis—typically triggers roster adjustments and role changes.

What we don’t know

No official confirmation is included in the provided material, and specific details about the successor beyond general reporting context weren’t stated in the same way across all items. What is clear is that City are planning around the possibility of Guardiola’s departure once the season concludes.

For fans, the story is less about whether it will happen and more about how City respond in the final stretch and in the transfer window that follows.