Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City next summer with Girona boss Michel in line as replacement - Paper Round

Next season could be Pep Guardiola’s final campaign in charge of Manchester City, claims a report in the Mail.

The Citizens are said to be preparing for life after Guardiola, who has delivered an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles for the club.

Girona manager Michel is reportedly on a shortlist to replace the Spaniard as boss.

“Pep Guardiola is expected to call time on a spell of unprecedented dominance at Manchester City next summer,” reads the report.

“The Catalan, who joined the club eight years ago, has 12 months left on a contract that sources believe will be his last at the Etihad Stadium.

“City will give Guardiola space to make a final decision on his future – and want the most successful boss in their history to extend his stay after 15 major trophies, including delivering a first Champions League.

“But the club’s hierarchy fear that Guardiola’s ninth year will represent the end. While City stress that there has been no formal indication either way from the 52-year-old, multiple sources within the industry and City have openly discussed the prospect of an impending departure over recent months.

“City’s succession planning will begin, with Girona’s Michel talked up as a potential candidate after impressing in La Liga. 

“Julian Nagelsmann has a contract with Germany until 2026 and Xabi Alonso is highly thought of, while Guardiola himself admires Roberto De Zerbi.”

Roberto De Zerbi is on Chelsea’s managerial shortlist to succeed Mauricio Pochettino – but The Blues would have to pay Brighton £5 million in compensation to acquire the Italian’s services.

De Zerbi’s departure from the Amex Stadium was announced before Brighton’s final game of the Premier League season.

He is said to be on a shortlist of four to fill the void at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea have drawn up their four-man shortlist with a desire to find a dynamic, forward-thinking and progressive coach who fits in with the club's ideology,” writes the Mail.

“They are also keen on the candidate having experience in English football at a high level.

“De Zerbi would fit that brief, arguably more than McKenna and Maresca with neither having managed in the Premier League previously.

“His brand of attacking football is also widely admired as Chelsea search for a head coach who can dominate possession and control games.

“Xavi is not being considered after leaving Barcelona, while Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and Girona's Michel have dropped out of the running and Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim is not on the shortlist.

“De Zerbi left Brighton by mutual consent less than two weeks ago. However, if Chelsea were to snap him up, they would still have to pay compensation to the Seagulls, said to be around £5million.”

Barcelona have already held talks with the representatives of Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

That is according to the Mirror, which claims the Catalan giants are “ready to sell” former Leeds forward Raphinha to accommodate the Colombian.

“Barcelona are reportedly ready to try and prise Luis Diaz away from Liverpool this summer after holding talks with his agent,” reads the report.

“The Colombia international has become a key player for the Reds on the wing, but with Jurgen Klopp leaving to be replaced by Arne Slot, it seems he has become unsettled.

“Rumours of a summer move to Barcelona first surfaced in March and a report from AS says they are pushing ahead with their plans to sign him. Barca sporting director Deco held talks with Diaz's representatives Carlos Van-Strahalen and Raul Pais Da Costa two months back and they have received some positive feedback.

“Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position, with Diaz contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2027 and the club don’t want to lose him. Having previously been quoted between €120million (£102m) and €140m (£120m) – a fee that president Joan Laporta said was “unfeasible", Barcelona are prepared for ‘tough negotiations’ with the Reds and are so keen on Diaz that they would be willing to sell Raphinha to accommodate him.”

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