Saudi Pro League Club Reportedly Prepared to Double Guardiola’s Salary as City Push for Contract Extension
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing a lucrative offer from a club in the Saudi Pro League that could double his current salary, raising questions about his long-term future with the Premier League champions.
Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history, is in the final year of his contract with City. His tenure at the Etihad Stadium, which began in 2016, has seen a transformation in English football, culminating in City’s first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023 and a pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title this season.
Despite his success, Guardiola has remained non-committal about his future, fueling speculation that this could be his final season with the club. According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are eager for him to stay but are also preparing for the possibility of his departure, with succession plans already in motion.
City reportedly want a decision from Guardiola by Christmas to avoid any uncertainty that could disrupt the club’s unprecedented run of success. The club is prepared to offer the 53-year-old manager a contract extension that would keep him at the Etihad until 2027, along with a potential salary increase.
However, the offer from the Saudi Pro League presents a significant challenge. Caught Offside reports that a Saudi club is ready to offer Guardiola a contract that would double his current wages, presenting a “major threat” to City’s hopes of retaining their iconic manager.
Following City’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Guardiola spoke about his pride in leading the team but did not address the speculation about his future. “What a privilege and honour to be the manager of this group of players at this club, because after what we achieved,” he said. “The good news is the first three points. The bad news is we have 70 games ahead of us. That’s why the best way is to be calm, relaxed, and enjoy the moment of course.”
As the football world waits for Guardiola’s decision, the prospect of a record-breaking salary offer from Saudi Arabia looms large, potentially shaping the future of one of the sport’s most successful managers.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Erling Haaland’s goalscoring record as akin to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s, following the Norwegian striker’s 91st goal in 100 games for the club, according to Sportskeeda.
Haaland marked his 100th appearance for City with a goal in the 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, leaving Guardiola in awe of his achievement. “It’s like Messi or Ronaldo,” Guardiola said, as per BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
Haaland’s record is all the more impressive given that he has achieved it in just 67 Premier League games, scoring 64 goals. His overall tally of 91 goals in 100 games for City is a testament to his clinical finishing and dedication to the sport.
Guardiola’s comparison to Messi and Ronaldo, widely regarded as two of the greatest players in football history, is a significant endorsement of Haaland’s abilities. Both Messi and Ronaldo have scored over 800 goals each in their careers, and for Guardiola to suggest that Haaland is in the same bracket is high praise indeed.
Haaland’s goal against Chelsea was a typical example of his finishing ability, as he danced past Marc Cucurella and slotted the ball past Robert Sanchez with ease. The Norwegian’s movement and positioning were also praised by Guardiola, who noted that he is always in the right place at the right time.
With City seeking an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title, Haaland’s goals will be crucial to their success. And based on his current form, it’s hard to see him slowing down anytime soon.
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