Manchester City are working to fast-track the arrival of Hugo Viana, who is lined up to succeed Txiki Begiristain as the club’s Director of Football. Viana was initially set to join in 2025, but City are now negotiating with Sporting CP for an earlier release.
The change comes as Pep Guardiola and his team face a challenging season, with inconsistent form and injuries exposing the need for fresh squad planning. City are preparing for a significant overhaul next summer and believe Viana’s input is crucial to get ahead in the transfer market.
Txiki Begiristain, who has been instrumental in City’s success over the past 12 seasons, will step down at 60. Viana, currently Sporting’s sporting director, has been chosen to lead City’s next phase.
According to TBR Football, City want Viana to arrive before the end of this season but recognize that a January move is unlikely due to Sporting’s reliance on him.
RECALL:
City’s urgency stems from anticipated changes in the squad, with several players nearing the end of their contracts or facing uncertain futures. The rebuild is expected to target at least six new signings over the next two transfer windows, backed by a significant transfer budget due to limited recent spending.
Begiristain’s influence has shaped City into the Premier League’s dominant force, but the club recognizes the need for new ideas to stay ahead.
QUOTES:
Speaking about the transition, Pep Guardiola said:
“I’m looking forward to speaking with him this season. But I think he’s in touch with Ferran Soriano, with Txiki [Begiristain] a lot, and hopefully maybe in the next month or weeks we’ll be in touch.”
Guardiola emphasized the importance of smooth collaboration, noting:
“There’s a lot of work to do, and we want to make sure we’re fully prepared for what’s ahead.”
CITATIONS:
This report comes from TBR Football, which revealed City’s efforts to bring Viana in sooner than planned. No official statement has been made by Manchester City or Sporting CP at this stage.
KEEP IN MIND:
If successful, Viana’s early arrival could mark the beginning of a new era at Manchester City, with fresh leadership in recruitment shaping the next phase of Guardiola’s squad. City fans will be watching closely as plans unfold for the summer rebuild.
