Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing for life after Manchester City by targeting a luxury home in Barcelona worth around £13.5m, as growing speculation continues over the manager’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in modern football, is expected to bring his remarkable spell in English football to an end after 10 years in charge of City.
Although the club have yet to formally confirm his departure, reports in Spain and England suggest Guardiola is already making arrangements for a permanent return to Catalonia once the current campaign concludes.
According to Manchester Evening News, Guardiola has identified a newly-built mansion in Barcelona’s prestigious Pedralbes neighbourhood.
The property is said to feature a swimming pool, private gym, jacuzzi and panoramic sea views, while its location is also notable for being close to the family home he once shared with Cristina Serra.
The development has intensified discussion surrounding Guardiola’s future, particularly after reports emerged that divorce proceedings between Guardiola and Serra began in 2024 after three decades together.
Serra had originally moved to England when Guardiola accepted the City job in 2016, though she later returned to Barcelona in 2019 while Guardiola remained in Manchester.
Throughout much of his time in England, Guardiola has lived in central Manchester at the Deansgate CitySuites complex rather than purchasing a permanent family residence in the city, something many now view as a sign that a long-term return to Spain was always possible.
His anticipated exit would mark the end of one of the most successful managerial eras English football has seen.
Since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into the dominant force of the Premier League era, redefining standards through a style of football built on relentless possession, tactical flexibility and technical excellence.
Under his leadership, City have collected multiple league titles, domestic cups and the Champions League, while also becoming the first side in English football history to secure four consecutive Premier League crowns.
His influence has extended far beyond trophies, reshaping tactical trends across the division and inspiring a new generation of coaches.
The club are also preparing celebrations following another successful campaign. Having already secured the domestic cup double, City are expected to hold an open-top bus parade through Manchester to honour the achievements of Guardiola’s side and potentially provide supporters with an opportunity to pay tribute to the manager should his departure be confirmed.
Guardiola avoids questions over future after Wembley success
Speculation around Guardiola intensified further after Manchester City’s recent FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, when the 55-year-old declined to directly answer questions regarding his future.
During the post-match broadcast on TNT Sports, presenter Laura Woods asked Guardiola about reports suggesting he could soon leave the club.
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“Pep, there are so many rumours about you leaving. You’re not, are you?” she said.
Guardiola initially appeared surprised before smiling and replying: “What rumours? Have a lovely evening!”
The City manager then placed his microphone on the desk, shook hands with the panel and walked away, doing little to silence the growing expectation that his time in Manchester is nearing its conclusion.
However, reports indicate City may formally confirm his exit before Monday’s parade celebrations, ensuring supporters can properly recognise his contribution to the club’s modern history.
Replacing Guardiola will represent one of the biggest decisions City’s hierarchy have faced since the Abu Dhabi takeover transformed the club’s ambitions.
Several names have already been linked with the role, though former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is understood to be the leading contender.
