Manchester City is very close to signing Enzo Maresca as its new coach, on a three-year contract, to succeed Pep Guardiola, according to BBC Sport. A month after the announcement of Guardiola's departure, after a decade in office, the Manchester club reached an understanding with Chelsea regarding compensation for hiring the Italian coach.
According to BBC Sport, which reported negotiations on June 8, the compensation package is expected to be well in excess of £10m. Chelsea understands they are entitled to compensation, as Maresca was contractually linked to the club until 2029 before leaving in January, and even explored legal options. City, contacted by BBC Sport, declined to comment.
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Maresca was quickly identified in Manchester as the only candidate for the position and chosen for the mission of succeeding Guardiola. Citizens players who are not involved in a World Cup commitment are scheduled to return to pre-season in mid-July, but the absence of the new coach has left any individual decisions regarding the future of some members of the squad on hold.
Meanwhile, market planning continues. City had two proposals rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and is preparing a new offer. The move for the English international should progress with Maresca's approval, at a time when the club seeks to accommodate the expected departure of captain Bernardo Silva.
For Freddie Pye, from City Xtra, cited by BBC Sport, the possible delay in the announcement will not have a relevant impact, given that the pre-season only starts next month and initially without players involved in the World Cup. City continues to present a highly appealing project to attract reinforcements — with top conditions and immediate title ambitions — even though Guardiola's retirement could lead some football players to reconsider their future as they feel the end of a personal cycle at the club.