New Delhi: Manchester City are allegedly set to see one of the key face’s departure from their in the summer. At the beginning, Athletic had reported that Txiki Begiristain would be leaving the club in 2025 after serving 13 years as the sporting director of the club. Begiristain played a big role in Pep Guardiola’s appointment as City’s manager in 2016.
The former Spanish footballer was involved in many transfer deals, bringing in a wide array of players to Etihad Stadium, who have made Manchester City a dangerous side in the Premier League. Under Begiristain’s watch, the club has won a total of six Premier Leagues, one UEFA Champions League and even the Club World Cup.
Now, according to media sources, Hugo Viana is likely to replace Begiristain as the sporting director of the club after a brilliant stint for Lisbon as their director of football. Originally, Begiristain was supposed to step down from his position in 2019 but had extended his stay by five years.
🚨🔵 Manchester City’s new director of football will be Portuguese director Hugo Viana! Exclusive story, confirmed.
As revealed on Tuesday, Viana was on top of City list and the agreement is now completed.
Viana leaves Sporting to replace Txiki Begiristain at #MCFC from 2025. pic.twitter.com/VnCi24LhYD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 11, 2024
Clearly, City have been expecting the news for a while and were on the hunt for the former Barcelona player’s replacement. It is believed that the announcement of Viana’s appointment will only be revealed officially by the club once Begiristain exits the club.
According to some media sources, Viana had previously rejected offers made by Aston Villa and Newcastle United to take up roles as their club’s football director. There is little doubt that the 41-year-old is a sought-after figure in football, and City have signed a deal with him as Begiristain’s exit comes closer. With Guardiola’s contract set to expire in June, Viana’s first assignment as the club’s director of football will be to resolve the situation if the Spanish manager hasn’t already signed his extension.
With Txiki Begiristain stepping down next year, Manchester City have reportedly roped in his replacement. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
