Pep Guardiola could leave Man City as early as next summer amid 'logical' argument

Pep Guardiola signed a new two-year contract at Manchester City last year, but it has been claimed that he could be set to leave the Etihad Stadium as early as next summer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could walk away from the club as early as next summer despite putting pen to paper on a contract running until 2027 last year, according to reports.

The Spaniard has enjoyed remarkable success since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2016; he has secured six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and numerous other honours since taking over from Argentine manager Manuel Pellegrini. Guardiola is still under contract, having signed a two-year extension to his existing deal just 12 months ago.

Nevertheless, it has now been suggested that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss could leave before then. According to The Times, those close to Guardiola think he could bid farewell next summer, a decade after his arrival, which is viewed as a 'logical' move in his managerial career.

A final decision has not yet been taken, though, the report adds. Guardiola has typically fulfilled contracts with his previous clubs - and that scenario is not ruled out this time - while the same sources anticipating his departure have done so previously only to see the Spanish manager reverse course and commit to new terms.

Guardiola himself has already spoken publicly and indicated that he has decided on a sabbatical once he departs City - whenever that may be. He said: "I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure. It's decided, more than decided.

"I don't know how long I'll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, 10, 15, I don't know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body."

Explaining his remarks in a subsequent interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola added: "No, no, no I didn't say I'm leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes.

"But I'm saying when I finish my time here, I don't know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years - I don't know - I will take a break. I won't retire but I will take a break, for sure."

Guardiola may well expand his trophy collection further before departing the Etihad. City are among the title contenders once more this campaign.

They're currently four points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal, having thrashed defending champions Liverpool 3-0 in their latest fixture. They'll be looking to maintain their title charge following the international break, with Newcastle United their next opponents.

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