Manchester City is set to appoint Enzo Maresca as the new manager before the 2026-27 season, replacing the legendary Pep Guardiola.

According to BBC Sport, Guardiola is expected to leave the club following Sunday's match against Aston Villa, marking the final game of the season. Maresca, a former Chelsea head coach, has been identified as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola.

The 46-year-old Italian, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, has been in advanced talks with the club for several months. Maresca is expected to be officially confirmed as Guardiola's successor in the near future.

Maresca's tenure at Chelsea was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Club World Cup and the Conference League, as well as securing a Champions League spot. He left Chelsea in January 2024, previously managing Leicester City and guiding them to a Premier League promotion.

Guardiola has spoken highly of Maresca, praising his work at Chelsea and suggesting that his achievements did not receive adequate recognition.

Maresca's appointment will bring a lower-profile figure to the helm, but one deeply embedded in City's methods and approach. He would be taking over from one of the most innovative and successful managers in football history, and the pressure to replicate Guardiola's success will be immense.

However, Maresca comes with a strong reference from Guardiola and has firsthand knowledge of the club's operations. This continuity is likely to be a critical factor in the appointment.