If Pep Guardiola does walk away from Manchester City, where would he go next? Surprisingly, Milan has emerged as a possible destination.
Speculation is swirling around Pep Guardiola’s future in England, with reports suggesting that his time at Manchester City could come to an unexpected end. While his contract runs until 2027, recent struggles and looming uncertainty over the club’s 115 financial charges have fueled rumors of a potential departure.
But if Guardiola does walk away from the Etihad, where would he go next? Surprisingly, Milan has emerged as a possible destination. Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Santiago Gimenez’s side is preparing for a major restructuring, and one man at the heart of this transformation—Fabio Paratici—could be the key to bringing the legendary Spanish coach to Italy.
According to multiple reports in Italy, the Rossoneri have already reached a verbal agreement with Fabio Paratici to take over as the club’s sporting director for the 2025-26 season. SportMediaset claims that while no official announcement has been made, the countdown has already begun.
Paratici, known for his successful stints at Juventus and Tottenham, will be tasked with rebuilding Milan’s squad and selecting a new head coach. His top priority? Finding the right manager to guide the Serie A giant back to the elite level of European soccer.
While several names have been mentioned for the coaching job, Roberto De Zerbi appears to be the leading candidate. The Italian tactician, currently at Brighton, has impressed with his attacking philosophy and tactical intelligence. The Rossoneri have already initiated contact with his representatives, as confirmed by SportMediaset.
However, reports from Corriere della Sera and La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Paratici’s true dream is Pep Guardiola. While his appointment may seem unrealistic at the moment, the connection between Paratici and Guardiola should not be underestimated. The two share a strong professional relationship, and the Spaniard has previously spoken highly of Milan and Italian soccer. Gazzetta even states that while Guardiola dismissed the idea of coaching in Italy back in 2023, he also left the door open by saying, “Never say never.”
Why Guardiola might leave Manchester City before 2027
The idea of Guardiola leaving City seemed unthinkable just months ago, but this season has been far from ideal. The reigning Premier League champions have struggled for consistency and currently sit fifth in the table, a staggering 22 points behind leaders Liverpool.
While the 54-year-old signed a new contract earlier this season, he has previously hinted that he would not hesitate to walk away if things didn’t go well. The unresolved 115 financial charges against City add another layer of uncertainty. If the club faces a severe punishment, Guardiola’s departure could become a real possibility.
The Milan gamble: Project worth considering?
Milan, on the other hand, is also enduring a tough season. They currently sit ninth in Serie A, with their hopes of securing European soccer hanging by a thread. Despite having talents like Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Santiago Gimenez, the team has struggled for consistency.
Paratici’s possible arrival, however, signals the beginning of a new vision for the San Siro outfit—one that could be attractive to Guardiola. The club wants to return to the top of European soccer, and if the Italian can provide the right structure and financial backing, the Spanish manager could be tempted by the challenge.
