As Pep Guardiola edges closer to the twilight of his glittering tenure at Manchester City, attention is turning toward who could possibly succeed the Spaniard when his reign finally comes to an end.
Among the growing list of contenders, one name has caught global attention — Portuguese tactician Abel Ferreira, whose remarkable achievements in South America have earned him glowing endorsements from football experts.
Speculation grows over Guardiola’s eventual exit
With Guardiola’s contract set to expire in 2027, Manchester City are beginning to face questions about what the club’s future might look like after his departure.
The Catalan, who has transformed the club into one of the most dominant forces in football history, would have spent 11 years at the Etihad if he stays until the end of his current deal — the longest managerial spell of his career.
However, there is growing sentiment within the football community that Guardiola’s contract might mark the conclusion of his extraordinary chapter in Manchester.
City’s hierarchy and supporters alike are already bracing for what comes next, with speculation mounting over who could continue his legacy.
Several names have been mentioned as potential heirs to Guardiola’s tactical empire. Former City captain Vincent Kompany, currently at Bayern Munich, was one of the early favourites for the role.
However, his recent contract extension with the German giants until 2029 appears to have ruled him out — at least for the foreseeable future.
Now, a new name has emerged from Brazil, one that has taken the footballing world by surprise.
Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has become the latest coach to be linked with the Manchester City hot seat, thanks to his extraordinary success in South America and the glowing praise he has received from respected voices in football.
In an interview with ESPN Brasil, well-known Brazilian commentator José Ferreira Neto described Ferreira as an elite coach capable of thriving at the very top of European football.
His words have only fuelled the conversation surrounding Ferreira’s potential move to Europe’s upper echelons.
“Abel Ferreira is out of this world,” Neto said, as quoted by CNN Portugal and relayed by Sport Witness.
“He (Ferreira) is the greatest coach I have seen in my career as a presenter and commentator. As a player, there are others.
“It’s impressive what he (Ferreira) does with Palmeiras and the players. All of Palmeiras’ goals are worked for. The truth? Abel Ferreira should be at Manchester City, Liverpool, Benfica or FC Porto.”
Neto went on to suggest that the Portuguese manager’s rise from South America could soon lead him to one of football’s most prestigious stages.
“That will be his (Ferreira’s) path from Palmeiras. That is, if he doesn’t become the coach of a World Cup team. He is very good,” he added.
Ferreira’s rise to global recognition
Abel Ferreira’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Since taking charge of Palmeiras in November 2020, the 46-year-old manager has turned the Brazilian side into one of the most consistent and tactically astute teams in world football.
His track record speaks for itself — two Copa Libertadores titles, two Brazilian Serie A championships, one Copa do Brasil, a Supercopa do Brasil, a Recopa Sudamericana, and three Campeonato Paulista titles.
Ferreira’s philosophy emphasizes precision, discipline, and tactical intelligence, traits that mirror Guardiola’s meticulous approach.
His Palmeiras teams are known for their ability to control games, adapt to different opponents, and produce creative attacking patterns — qualities that have drawn admiration from pundits and rival coaches alike.
His managerial success has not gone unnoticed in Europe. Earlier this year, Ferreira was strongly linked with the Nottingham Forest job following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked after failing to win a single game during his brief 39-day spell in charge.
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Forest’s hierarchy reportedly viewed Ferreira as the ideal candidate to steer the club forward, but owner Evangelos Marinakis eventually opted for Sean Dyche instead.
That decision was a relief to Palmeiras, who had been eager to keep hold of their prized coach. Reports from Brazil suggest that the club quickly moved to secure Ferreira’s future, opening talks over a new contract to fend off potential suitors from Europe.
Nevertheless, Ferreira’s growing reputation continues to attract interest from top European clubs, with Manchester City now being mentioned as a possible destination.
His ability to build cohesive, attacking-minded teams and develop young talent aligns closely with City’s footballing philosophy and long-term vision, particularly as Guardiola’s contract will soon expire.
