Pep Guardiola has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Manchester City but fresh speculation over when he may depart The Etihad has been rife in recent months
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could leave the club as soon as next summer despite signing a contract until 2027 last year, it has been claimed.
The Spaniard has been a phenomenal success since his arrival at The Etihad in 2016; he has lifted six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and a whole host of other trophies since replacing Argentine coach Manuel Pellegrini. Guardiola remains under contract having only penned a two-year extension to his existing deal 12 months ago.
However, it has now been suggested that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man could depart before then. According to The Times, some close to Guardiola believe he could bid farewell next summer, 10 years after his arrival, which is seen as a ‘logical’ step in his managerial career.
A final decision has yet to be made, though, the report adds. Guardiola has regularly seen out contracts with his previous clubs - and that situation is not ruled out this time - while the same sources predicting him to leave have done the same in the past only to see the Spanish coach perform a U-turn and sign fresh terms.
Guardiola himself has already spoken out and suggested that he has decided on a sabbatical once he leaves City - whenever that may be. He said: "I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure. It's decided, more than decided.
"I don't know how long I'll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen, I don't know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body."
Clarifying his claim in a further interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola added: “No, no, no I didn't say I'm leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes.
"But I'm saying when I finish my time here, I don't know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years -- I don't know -- I will take a break. I won't retire but I will take a break, for sure."
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Guardiola could well add to his trophy cabinet even more before leaving the Etihad. City are once again one of the challengers for the Premier League title this season.
They currently sit four points behind leaders Arsenal, having dismantled reigning champions Liverpool 3-0 in their most recent outing. They will be aiming to keep pushing for the title once the international break concludes, with their next game coming against Newcastle United.