Manchester City are already moving towards a new era as preparations intensify for the expected arrival of Enzo Maresca, with reports suggesting the club have identified the first two signings of a major summer rebuild.
Although Pep Guardiola has not yet formally confirmed his departure, expectations continue to grow that the Spaniard will step away at the end of the season after a decade that transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant sides.
Guardiola still has a year remaining on his current deal, but uncertainty around his future has accelerated planning behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.
The City boss recently addressed the ongoing speculation when speaking to Sky Sports, insisting that any announcement regarding his future would come only after conversations with players, coaching staff and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
Even so, City’s hierarchy appear determined to ensure the transition is carefully managed.
The club are believed to be wary of the difficulties experienced by Manchester United following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. That period saw instability both on and off the pitch after David Moyes took charge, and City are reportedly keen to avoid a similar decline.
Therefore, Maresca, who previously worked within City’s coaching structure, is understood to be the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola.
The Italian coach spent time managing the club’s elite development squad before later taking senior roles elsewhere, including a spell at Chelsea F.C..
Since leaving Stamford Bridge earlier this year, the 48-year-old has remained out of work, though speculation linking him with a return to Manchester has steadily increased.
Reports indicate that Maresca has verbally agreed to a three-year contract and has already begun discussing plans for the squad with senior figures at the club.
According to those reports, he has been working closely with sporting director Hugo Viana on recruitment strategy ahead of next season.
Anderson and Kayode emerge as leading targets
One player strongly linked with a move to the Etihad is Elliot Anderson. The midfielder has impressed during his time with Nottingham Forest and negotiations over a potential transfer are said to be progressing well.
The 23-year-old has developed into one of Forest’s most influential players and is expected to attract further attention following another strong campaign.
There is also growing belief that he could soon become a regular figure in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite Forest preserving their Premier League status under Vitor Pereira, Anderson’s future has remained the subject of continued speculation.
City reportedly view him as a versatile midfielder capable of fitting into Maresca’s tactical approach, particularly because of his energy, technical quality and ability to operate in several roles.
The club are also pursuing reinforcements in defence, with Brentford full-back Michael Kayode emerging as the preferred option at right-back.
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Kayode has impressed since arriving at Brentford following a successful spell at ACF Fiorentina. Still only 21, the defender has gained attention for his athleticism, attacking runs and ability to contribute creatively from wide areas.
His long throw-ins have also become a notable feature of Brentford’s attacking play, adding another dimension to his game.
City’s interest appears to reflect a desire to add younger players capable of developing further under Maresca’s management.
Kayode has previously been linked with a return to Italy, including reported interest from Juventus, though the defender has indicated that he does not intend to leave English football in the immediate future.
Viana, meanwhile, is understood to have earned admiration internally for the speed with which he has begun reshaping City’s recruitment structure since replacing Txiki Begiristain.
Sources reportedly describe the Portuguese executive as highly respected across European football, and his influence is already becoming increasingly visible.
