Enzo Maresca compensation dispute delays Manchester City’s bid to appoint the Chelsea coach as Pep Guardiola’s successor

Negotiations between Chelsea and Manchester City over the proposed appointment of Enzo Maresca as successor to Pep Guardiola have stalled amid a disagreement over compensation.

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Manchester City identified Maresca as their preferred candidate after Guardiola confirmed on 22 May that he would leave the club following a decade of unprecedented success at the Etihad Stadium.

However, progress towards an agreement has slowed significantly, with Chelsea insisting they are entitled to compensation because Maresca remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029 despite having joined the club only months ago.

According to reports, Chelsea’s position is that any appointment cannot proceed without an agreed financial settlement reflecting the contractual obligations attached to the Italian coach.

Sources close to the discussions indicate that the London club has been assessing its legal position while continuing negotiations with City.

A Chelsea source reportedly stated that Maresca’s contractual status creates a clear requirement for compensation to be agreed before any formal move can be completed.

The dispute has emerged as the principal obstacle to City’s efforts to conclude arrangements for a new managerial era following Guardiola’s decision to step down.

Manchester City are understood to be keen to resolve the matter swiftly to allow for long-term planning ahead of the new season, but differences over valuation and payment terms have complicated discussions.

Maresca is believed to be receptive to a return to Manchester City, where he previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s historic Treble-winning 2022–23 campaign.

Before taking charge at Chelsea, the Italian coach earned widespread praise at Leicester City, guiding the club back to the Premier League.

His subsequent spell at Chelsea further enhanced his reputation after leading the club to success in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League.

Manchester City’s interest in Maresca is understood to stem from his familiarity with the club’s football philosophy, coaching structure and long-term vision established under Guardiola.

Despite the current impasse, both clubs remain engaged in dialogue, with negotiations continuing behind the scenes.

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For now, the Enzo Maresca compensation dispute remains the key issue preventing Manchester City from finalising the appointment of Guardiola’s preferred successor, leaving uncertainty over the timing of any official announcement.