Manchester City have reached an agreement with Chelsea to secure Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor, paying €20m to release the Italian from his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Compensation Deal
According to Sky Sport Italia, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Premier League champions have shaken hands with Chelsea on the termination of Maresca’s deal. The 44-year-old is expected to sign a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, formalising his return to the club where he previously worked.
Stamford Bridge Departure
Maresca’s move to City comes less than six months after his exit from Chelsea on 1 January 2026. The Italian left his post following disagreements over the club’s operational direction and behind-the-scenes decision-making processes. Despite delivering silverware during his tenure—including the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies in 2025—the manager did not have the full support of the west London board, prompting his sudden departure despite remaining under contract.
A Familiar Return
The appointment marks a reunion for Maresca and Manchester City, where he previously served as Guardiola’s assistant manager during the 2022-23 campaign. That season culminated in City winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble. After leaving the Etihad, Maresca guided Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League before taking the Chelsea job in the summer of 2024.
The €20m fee effectively buys out the remainder of Maresca’s Chelsea contract, clearing legal obstacles and allowing City to complete their managerial transition. The Italian’s tactical philosophy aligns closely with the possession-based approach established during his previous spell at the club, though he now faces the challenge of stepping out of Guardiola’s shadow to lead the squad in his own right.