Manchester City have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with the Italian returning to the Etihad Stadium on a three-year contract to succeed the legendary Pep Guardiola.

Maresca is no stranger to City, having previously managed the club’s Elite Development Squad before serving as Guardiola’s assistant during the historic Treble-winning campaign.

The move comes at a significant cost, with Manchester City agreeing to pay Chelsea £17 million in compensation because Maresca had more than three years remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract.

As part of the settlement, Maresca will also make a personal financial contribution to Chelsea and has publicly apologised for the disruption his mid-season departure caused.

City believe Maresca is the ideal man to continue the club’s winning philosophy, while Chelsea will use the sizeable compensation package as they begin a new era under Xabi Alonso following a turbulent 2025-26 campaign.

Apart from the City’s pre-season commitment, we should see Maresca in the dugout at the season opening Community Shield against champions, Arsenal.