Story perspectives

Man City Hire Enzo Maresca, Pay £17 M to Chelsea

7/1/2026

Summary

Maresca Appointed Manager

Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year contract.
City paid Chelsea £17 million after Maresca resigned in December 2025.
Maresca will face Chelsea on 12 December 2026 and 24 April 2027.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said Maresca embraces succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Maresca said the young squad needs additions after the £116 million Elliot Anderson signing.

Summary

Chelsea Issues Statement

Chelsea issued a statement after Maresca’s departure, saying he wants to succeed Pep Guardiola.
The statement said Maresca was on a long-term contract he could not end.
Chelsea noted the succession idea was first shared with the club in Autumn last year.
The statement was released alongside the announcement of Chelsea’s compensation settlement with Manchester City.
Chelsea directed fans to its dedicated Facebook page for the latest Blues news and analysis.

History

Historical Context

In July 2016 Manchester City hired Pep Guardiola and spent £55 million on Kevin De Bruyne, launching investment that produced six league titles, a domestic treble in 2018-19 and a continental treble in 2022-23. The club’s 2026 continuation of high-profile appointments shows its reliance on big signings to preserve continuity after iconic managers.

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Maresca Appointed Manager

Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year contract.
City paid Chelsea £17 million after Maresca resigned in December 2025.
Maresca will face Chelsea on 12 December 2026 and 24 April 2027.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said Maresca embraces succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Maresca said the young squad needs additions after the £116 million Elliot Anderson signing.

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