Sources indicate Manchester City are actively preparing for Pep Guardiola's departure after Sunday's match against Aston Villa, despite his existing contract. The club's greatest manager, 55, is expected to leave Etihad Stadium this summer, with staff and players anticipating the change.

This follows months of intense speculation about his future. While City maintain hope he will stay, work towards an exit is underway. Former assistant Enzo Maresca is the front-runner to succeed him, having worked closely under Guardiola.

Guardiola's decade at City yielded 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. His potential exit marks the end of an era defined by unprecedented domestic dominance, leaving the club to navigate a transition after defining modern football.