Full Breakdown
Manchester City Near £10m Settlement with Chelsea Over Enzo Maresca Appointment
6/20/2026, 8:29:48 PM
Settlement Negotiations Over Enzo Maresca's Move to Manchester City
- Manchester City are close to a financial settlement with Chelsea that would clear the way for Enzo Maresca to become City manager. Chelsea are seeking compensation, alleging that Maresca breached his contract by speaking to rival clubs while still under contract. The settlement is reported to be worth more than £10 million.
Background: Maresca's Departure from Chelsea and Prior Compensation Deals
- Maresca resigned from Chelsea on New Year’s Day after a chaotic period in which he informed the club that both Manchester City and Napoli had approached him. His departure is said to have destabilised Chelsea’s season, which ended with a 10th-place finish and no European qualification. Two years ago, Chelsea paid Leicester City £8 million to release Maresca as manager, and in January they paid a multimillion-pound sum to sister club Strasbourg to secure Liam Rosenior as his replacement.
Key Parties Involved
- Enzo Maresca – Italian coach, former Chelsea manager, now prospective Manchester City manager.
- Manchester City – Premier League club seeking to appoint Maresca.
- Chelsea FC – Premier League club asserting a contractual breach and demanding compensation.
- Leicester City – Received £8 million from Chelsea for Maresca’s release.
- Strasbourg – Received a multimillion-pound payment from Chelsea for the appointment of Liam Rosenior.
Financial Stakes and Timeline
- £8 million paid to Leicester (two years ago) for Maresca’s release.
- Multimillion-pound payment to Strasbourg (January) for Rosenior’s hiring.
- Settlement currently discussed exceeds £10 million.
- Negotiations continue as City’s pre-season training is scheduled for the middle of next month, delayed by the World Cup, during which 19 City players are absent.
Official Positions and Responses
- Chelsea sources claim they possess sufficient evidence to report City to the Premier League for an illegal approach, but they have no intention to file a complaint while negotiations proceed.
- Chelsea is also considering a separate legal claim against Maresca for alleged breach of contract, a claim likely to be withdrawn if a settlement is reached.
- Both clubs have declined to comment publicly on the ongoing talks.
Criticism and Opposition
- Chelsea maintains that Maresca’s communication with rival clubs constituted a breach that destabilised their season, justifying a compensation demand. The club emphasizes the need for a financial remedy to offset the impact of his unexpected resignation.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
- The alleged contract breach has not been formally disputed, yet no official complaint has been lodged with the Premier League.
- The exact settlement figure remains unconfirmed; reports suggest “more than £10 million” but no definitive amount is disclosed.
- No public statements from either club provide additional details, leaving the final terms of the agreement uncertain.
What’s Next
- Manchester City have time to resolve the matter before pre-season training begins in the middle of next month.
- The appointment of Enzo Maresca will be announced once the financial agreement is signed, potentially influencing City’s preparation for the upcoming season.
