Manchester City will ask Pep Guardiola for a final decision on his future before Christmas, a source has told ESPN.
Guardiola has one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
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City would like the 53-year-old to commit to a new deal after leading an era of unprecedented success with 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, since arriving in 2016. But Guardiola's strong relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain means he will have the freedom to decide how and when he leaves.
He is leaning towards leaving City after the new expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, and a source told ESPN the club would like to have a final decision by Christmas.
A source told ESPN that City are aware of the huge task replacing Guardiola will be and want as much time as possible to draw up a succession plan and evaluate potential replacements.
Guardiola has already hinted that his time at City is coming to an end. Following the 3-1 victory over West Ham, which gave them a record fourth consecutive title, he admitted that he is “closer to leaving than staying”.
He also said he is “tired” and suggested he lacks motivation to prepare for another season at the helm.
City expect Guardiola to fulfill the final year of his contract but, according to a source, accept that he could leave in 2025.
After spending four years in charge of Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich, Guardiola has already been in charge of the Etihad for longer than he expected. A source told ESPN that Guardiola is unlikely to accept another position in the club's management, but he does have ambitions of leading a national team in a major tournament.
The next World Cup is scheduled for 2026 in the United States. Guardiola last entered the final year of his contract with City in the summer of 2022. He ended up agreeing to a new two-year deal on a trip to Abu Dhabi during the Qatar World Cup break.
