As Manchester City move into the business end of the season, the expectation would usually be a familiar one: more silverware, more records, more dominance.
This time, however, another storyline is quietly gathering momentum — and it may soon overshadow everything else.
Is Pep Guardiola approaching the end of his reign at the Etihad?
Despite having a contract that runs until 2027, there is a growing belief within football circles that Guardiola could choose to walk away sooner rather than later. Those close to the situation sense that his extraordinary tenure may be entering its final phase.
If so, it would mark the conclusion of an era that began in 2016 — a period in which Guardiola not only transformed Manchester City, but fundamentally reshaped English football. Six Premier League titles later, City have become the benchmark for domestic excellence.
Yet signs of change are emerging. A decade of relentless pressure at the top level appears to be taking its toll, and sources suggest that personal factors away from the pitch have also played a role. Guardiola’s long-term relationship with his wife, Cristina Serra, is believed to have deteriorated following his most recent contract renewal.
On the field, City are no longer the undisputed force they once were. Liverpool claimed the league title last season, and Arsenal are currently setting the pace this time around. City now find themselves chasing rather than controlling the narrative.
Should Guardiola decide the time is right to move on, options would be plentiful. An international post remains an intriguing possibility, while interest from Saudi Arabia — both sporting and financial — would be inevitable.
For now, the Catalan still has plenty at stake. A Carabao Cup final against Arsenal lies ahead, City remain alive in both the FA Cup and Champions League, and they trail the Gunners by six points in the title race.
Failure to meet expectations could convince Guardiola that the club needs fresh leadership. Success, on the other hand, might tempt him to bow out at the peak of his powers.
Either way, the idea that this season could be Guardiola’s last at Manchester City no longer feels like idle speculation — it feels increasingly plausible.
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