What happened: Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new first-team manager on a contract running to 2029, ending the search to replace the departed Pep Guardiola. The 46-year-old returns to the Etihad for a third spell after coaching the club's Elite Development Squad during the 2022-23 Treble campaign. Compensation talks with Chelsea over his mid-season exit from Stamford Bridge were settled in the days before the announcement.

Why it matters: The appointment reshapes the post-Guardiola era at a club that has dominated English football, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano framing the hire around continuity given Maresca's existing ties to the squad. Soriano called him the stand-out candidate, citing his EDS track record alongside spells at Leicester City and Chelsea. Director of football Hugo Viana led the process and will continue reshaping the roster under the new manager.

What to watch: Watch how Maresca's rebuild takes shape, beginning with the reported £116 million agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with further midfield, full-back and goalkeeper additions said to be in negotiation.

Sources