Man City's Maresca appointment delayed as Chelsea talks drag on past expected timeline

Manchester City have identified Enzo Maresca as their next manager but cannot yet confirm his appointment, with the process of finalising his release from Chelsea running beyond the timeline the club had expected.

Guardiola confirmed his departure from the Etihad Stadium during the final week of the Premier League season, ending a trophy-laden nine-year reign. Maresca, who managed Chelsea last season and previously Leicester City, is the man City’s hierarchy have settled on as his replacement — but the paperwork is not yet complete.

City are not believed to have encountered any fundamental obstacle in the negotiations. The delay is understood to be procedural, stemming from the time required to work through the formal agreement with Chelsea rather than any dispute over terms.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak addressed the wait in his end-of-season statement, asking supporters to trust the club’s process. “I think what I can say at the moment is we’ve gone through a very thoughtful and structured process and the team is convinced — and I am convinced, rest assured — that we will bring in the right manager for this club,” he said. “Just be patient with us. Very soon we’ll announce it and you will be very comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible for this club.”

The delay carries practical consequences beyond the managerial announcement itself. City’s hierarchy are conscious that a slow start to the summer window can compress the transfer business that follows, with clubs also known to raise asking prices as the market heats up later in the season. Getting Maresca officially installed is therefore a priority, even if the club must wait for all formalities to be concluded first.