Manchester City are reportedly set to see one of their key figures leave the club in the summer.
Earlier this month, David Ornstein reported that Txiki Begiristain will leave Man City in 2025, bringing an end to what would be a 13-year spell as the club’s sporting director.
In addition to seeing Pep Guardiola get appointed as City’s manager back in 2016, Begiristain has been involved in multiple transfer deals that have seen a wide range of players make moves to the Etihad Stadium during his time at the Manchester club.
Following on from this big news, some fresh information has come to light regarding City’s pursuit of a replacement for Begiristain.
- Who is Hugo Viana? Get familiar with the favourite to replace Txiki Begiristain as Man City Director of Football
Man City agree deal for Hugo Viana to replace Txiki Begiristain
In a recent post uploaded on his official X account, journalist Jack Gaughan shared this update on City’s search for a new sporting director.
He said: “Manchester City have agreed a deal to bring in Sporting’s Hugo Viana to replace Txiki Begiristain as sporting director.”
When will Man City announce Viana’s appointment?
Following this update from Gaughan, Fabrizio Romano shared this post on his official X account revealing when City will announce Viana’s appointment.
He said: “Hugo Viana’s imminent appointment as new Manchester City director of football from 2025 will be announced after Txiki Begiristain’s exit.
“Current director Begiristain will leave next year and Man City want to celebrate him as crucial part of the project for years.”
Once City’s interest in Viana was initially reported, it was claimed by Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), that the 41-year-old had previously rejected offers from Aston Villa and Newcastle United to be their sporting directors.
This showcases how highly regarded he is, in addition to the fact that City have moved quickly to agree a deal for him following the news of Begiristain’s impending exit in the summer.
Looking ahead to the summer, the fact that Guardiola’s contract is set to expire in June is one potentially big factor that Viana may have to sort out if the 53-year-old hasn’t signed an extension beforehand.
