Hugo Viana as a key figure: Manchester City's plan for life after Guardiola

Despite the growing uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola's future, Manchester City demonstrated in the recently closed January transfer window that its pulling power remains intact. The signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, for a combined value of 97 million euros, signal that the club is preparing for a new era, maintaining its strength in the transfer market.

Transition is a scenario feared by any club, especially one as successful as City has been in recent years. At the Etihad, signs of evolution are clear: on the pitch, figures like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson have departed, while in the executive structure, sporting director Txiki Begiristain has been replaced by Hugo Viana.

The biggest question mark, however, hangs over the manager. Although the Catalan has 18 months left on his contract, until June 2027, having renewed in November 2024, BBC Sport reports there is "tangible uncertainty" over whether the coach will see out the final year of his deal. A decision is expected at the end of the current season, with a further renewal highly unlikely, though not entirely ruled out.

Although the club dismisses rumors of a departure this year as mere speculation, and Guardiola, 55, publicly states he loves working at the Citizens, all indications suggest this is the beginning of the end of his era in Manchester.

Guardiola's victorious history and enviable resume have been fundamental assets in attracting players. However, the club can no longer rely solely on that factor. Recent signings, both the Bournemouth winger and the Crystal Palace center-back, are proof of this. Both players, coveted by several European giants, chose Manchester City, signing long-term contracts, fully aware that most of their time might be spent under a different manager.

Antoine Semenyo, 26, had a 75 million euro release clause at the Cherries and was a target for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, with Liverpool also monitoring him. The forward prioritized a move to City and signed a long-term deal until 2031.

Guéhi, whose contract with Crystal Palace was expiring, was even more sought after. The English international defender and former Eagles captain had concrete interest from Bayern, Inter, and Atlético Madrid for a free transfer, in addition to being tracked by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham. His choice, once again, fell to the Citizens.

According to the BBC, rival clubs have used the uncertainty surrounding the manager to try and dissuade players from moving to the Etihad, suggesting a post-Guardiola decline. However, City's proposal remains one of the most competitive.

Financial muscle and on-field success are hard to beat

It's undeniable that the club's financial capacity, being one of the highest payers in Europe, was an important factor. Still, it's worth noting that, in Semenyo's case, Tottenham's offer was financially more lucrative. The players' decision demonstrates that Manchester City's project remains appealing, even with the imminent departure of its most successful manager.

The allure of competing for major trophies and consistent Champions League participation have been decisive factors in Manchester City's ability to attract top talent. Sources close to both transfers indicate to the British newspaper that sporting success is the club's central argument, even outweighing its state-of-the-art infrastructure and off-field ambitions.

In its approach to potential reinforcements, City highlights the existing world-class squad and the continuous commitment to recruiting elite players. The strategy of renewing contracts with its best players to ensure stability, such as the 10-year deal signed by Erling Haaland last year, is another strong point. Ultimately, the history of trophies won under Abu Dhabi ownership, even before Pep Guardiola's arrival, is its main asset.

Begiristain's succession and Viana's central role

Amidst the changes, one figure remains constant: chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, in office since 2008. Contrary to the idea that the Spanish trio of Guardiola, CEO Ferran Soriano, and former sporting director Txiki Begiristain managed the club remotely, Al Mubarak remains central to all major decision-making.

He, along with Hugo Viana, will lead the process of choosing Guardiola's successor. This task will undoubtedly be the most significant for the Portuguese since his appointment to Begiristain's position was confirmed in October 2024, leaving Sporting.

Replacing Guardiola will be a complex mission, but the succession of Begiristain, one of the most reputable executives in world football, was no less challenging for Viana. The transition was facilitated by Begiristain remaining at the club for a six-month handover period until the summer of 2025. Sources indicate that Begiristain himself chose Viana as his successor.

The BBC highlights Viana's journey at the Lions, considering it "remarkable": "Alongside Ruben Amorim, whom Viana himself appointed manager and who now coaches Manchester United, the 43-year-old executive helped transform a stagnant team into one of Europe's most dynamic. The signings of Viktor Gyokeres, Morten Hjulmand, and Pedro Porro were considered exemplary in economic terms, while the sales of Porro, Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, and Manuel Ugarte generated over 200 million euros."

At City, Viana and Begiristain worked together during the January 2025 transfer window, securing former FC Porto player Nico González, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush, a period considered crucial for the Portuguese's integration. The signing of Guéhi for 20 million pounds, though initiated by Begiristain, was executed by Viana, who is beginning to assert his authority.

Next summer promises to be particularly busy, with the contracts of John Stones and Bernardo Silva expiring, which could dictate their departures. Nathan Aké's situation is also uncertain, as are those of Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips, all currently on loan to other clubs.

However, the future of the Etihad club is not without its uncertainties. A prolonged legal battle hangs over City related to 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, accusations the club vehemently denies. The outcome of this case could significantly alter the landscape of English football and the club's own history.