Overview
- Multiple outlets, led by the Telegraph, report a three-man shortlist of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas if Guardiola departs this summer.
- Director of football Hugo Viana has been tasked with shaping contingency options, according to recent reporting.
- Maresca told Chelsea he held discussions with City before his sacking in January, while Alonso is available after leaving Real Madrid last month.
- Fabregas has boosted his candidacy with strong work at Como, who sit sixth in Serie A.
- Rival Premier League managers increasingly expect this to be Guardiola’s final season, though Vincent Kompany is viewed as unlikely to leave Bayern after extending to 2029.