Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to depart from Manchester City next summer, with the club already preparing a shortlist of four elite candidates to potentially succeed him.

Pep Guardiola ‘to leave’ Man City next summer as club compiles elite four-man shortlist

Pep Guardiola is expected to depart from Manchester City at the conclusion of next season, prompting the club to assemble a prestigious four-man shortlist for his successor.

Guardiola has led Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title this season, amassing an impressive six league titles since his arrival at the Etihad in 2016.

According to The Daily Mail, the Spanish manager is anticipated to end his tenure at Manchester City when his contract expires next summer. Although his current deal has just 12 months remaining, the club will allow him time to finalize his decision. Guardiola has guided the team to 15 major trophies, including their first Champions League title.

While the club’s leadership remains hopeful for Guardiola to continue, they acknowledge there has been no definitive indication from him regarding his future. However, they are preparing for the possibility that his ninth year with the team could be his last.

City’s executives have identified four potential candidates to succeed the 53-year-old manager. The shortlist includes Girona’s Michel, Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, and Roberto De Zerbi.

Michel, 48, is highly regarded within the City Group, having led Girona to an impressive third-place finish in La Liga this season. Nagelsmann, set to manage Germany at Euro 2024, is under contract until 2026 and brings experience from his time at Bayern Munich. Alonso, who declined the opportunity to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, has achieved notable success with Bayer Leverkusen. De Zerbi, who has been praised by Guardiola and is currently without a team following his departure from Brighton, is also a strong contender.