News Focus
- Advanced negotiations are ongoing between Manchester City and Chelsea regarding Enzo Maresca’s move to the Etihad.
- Chelsea are demanding a compensation package for the manager who departed in January despite having a contract until 2029.
- Maresca previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2022-23.
- The Italian’s relationship with Chelsea’s ownership broke down in his final months at Stamford Bridge.
- The 46-year-old won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his brief spell with the London club.
Talks between Manchester City and Chelsea continue as both clubs work to finalise Enzo Maresca’s switch to the Etihad Stadium. The Italian manager is the leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola, who announced his departure on 22 May after a decade of success.
Discussions have reached an advanced stage. Senior officials from both clubs are currently negotiating the compensation fee required to secure Maresca’s services. The former West Brom and Juventus midfielder left Chelsea in January but remains under contract until 2029, prompting the West London club to demand payment.
Chelsea are exploring their legal options and expect City to pay a substantial sum. However, the exact amount and resolution date remain unclear. Maresca is eager to take the Manchester job, where he previously worked as Guardiola’s deputy during the Treble-winning 2022-23 season. He also played a key role in developing young players at the academy before managing Leicester City in 2023.
The negotiations face complications due to Maresca’s difficult final months at Stamford Bridge. His relationship with the club’s owners became strained over disagreements about transfer policy, medical staff, and team selections. Chelsea became aware of City’s interest in October and December last year, which has further complicated the compensation discussions.
Despite these tensions, senior figures at Chelsea respected Maresca’s work with the players. He remained popular with most of the dressing room during his time there. The club believes the disruption following his exit contributed to their failure to qualify for European competitions this season.
Earlier in the campaign, Maresca had considered renewing his contract with Chelsea amid interest from Italian side Juventus. Now he looks set to return to Manchester to take over from the legendary Guardiola.