Pep Guardiola Extends Manchester City Stay with New Two-Year Deal

The club confirmed on Thursday that Pep Guardiola has signed a new two-year contract extension with Manchester City. The 53-year-old manager will now stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2027 after his initial contract was set to expire at the end of the current season.

This new deal means Guardiola will mark his 10th anniversary at City in the summer of 2026, having joined from Bayern Munich in 2016. Guardiola admitted that he had considered stepping down at the end of this season, but after recent challenges, he felt it was not the right time to leave. "Manchester City means so much to me," he said, reflecting on the many successes they’ve shared. "We’ve experienced so many amazing times, and I have an extraordinary feeling for this football club. That’s why I’m happy to stay for two more seasons."

City had been concerned that Guardiola might leave at the end of this season, so his decision to stay is a significant boost for the club. This news comes as director of football Txiki Begiristain prepares to depart in the summer after being key to the club's success. Begiristain will be replaced by Hugo Viana from Sporting Lisbon, who worked alongside new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

Guardiola is the most decorated manager in Manchester City's history, having won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League. This season, he aims to make history by becoming the first English manager to win five consecutive top-flight titles.

"I have everything a manager could wish for," Guardiola stated. "It’s an honor to be here, and now I hope we can add more trophies to what we’ve already won."

Currently, City is enduring a tough run, having lost four consecutive matches across all competitions for the first time since 2006. They sit second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressed his delight at the extension, praising Guardiola's dedication and passion. "His hunger for success will continue to shape the culture of our club and English football," he said.

Although City faces 115 charges related to alleged breaches of financial rules, Guardiola's new contract reportedly does not include a break clause. The club denies the charges, and the case is ongoing, with the independent commission set to deliver a verdict next year.