Man City 'agree deal' for new sporting director with ex-Premier League midfielder lined up to replace Txiki Begiristain

Begiristain joined City in 2012 and played a key role in the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager four years later. The 60-year-old has played a pivotal part in City's rise, shaping them into Premier League powerhouses and establishing them as one of Europe’s elite teams. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Begiristain will step down at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the champions have now identified his successor.

The Daily Mail were first to report that after a protracted search, City have reached an agreement with Hugo Viana to take over Begiristain's role next summer. In order for Begiristain to teach Viana the ropes over a six-month handover period, City are reportedly hoping for the former midfielder to join early in 2025.

Since Viana's arrival in 2018, Sporting have become astute players in the transfer market, with notable successes like Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Pedro Porro all sold for considerably higher fees than their original purchase prices. The 41-year-old, who used to play for Newcastle United, was also the one who took a bold gamble on appointing a relatively unproven manager in Ruben Amorim, a decision that proved successful. This knack for calculated risks could be a crucial asset for City, especially with Guardiola's future still uncertain.

According to the report, the move could be officially announced as early as next week before Manchester City return to on-field action with a clash against Wolves on October 20.