David Ornstein has suggested Pep Guardiola’s time at Manchester City is nearing its end, casting doubt on the club’s future dominance. Ornstein told Sky Sports News there is an extremely strong chance Guardiola will leave the Premier League giants after this season. While Guardiola signed a two-year extension in November 2024, Ornstein believes the contract was more about managing perceptions than a genuine long-term commitment.
Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City?
People in the industry think the contract is just a way to buy time. This move takes the pressure off the manager while the club prepare for the inevitable split. So, the mood inside City’s front office has shifted toward a summer exit. The club have already started silent talks with people who could take his place.
The Aftermath: Can City Survive the Vacuum?
This looming departure hangs over the Etihad, raising urgent questions about City’s future without Guardiola. He is the architect of the club’s identity and success. If he leaves, City risk losing their essential character. It is something that financial investment cannot easily restore.
Everyone will compare this to Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. What happened to Manchester United afterwards serves as a massive red flag. It shows how fast a winning team can fall apart when the person with the vision walks out the door. Also, the plan to buy time seems to have backfired. Instead of stopping the rumours, the two-year deal just pushed the media circus back. Now, that drama might mess up their current season.
If City are indeed looking for new managers, rumours suggest Xabi Alonso or Vincent Kompany, then the bosses know the end is coming. The club have a great setup designed to last, but Guardiola’s influence is everywhere. As a result, the team will almost certainly struggle to maintain their current level. The next manager will take over a squad built exactly for one man’s specific style. That makes the changeover very risky. If City do not nail this transition, the Premier League’s biggest powerhouse could start to fade away fast.
Nitish Bhan
Nitish is a football journalist with over 12 years of experience covering the Premier League and global football. He combines data-driven reporting with tactical analysis to deliver in-depth coverage for readers who want more than just match reports. A marketing graduate and lifelong football addict, Nitish has contributed to Sportskeeda,…