Fabrizio Romano claims ex-Newcastle man poised for key role at Man City

Manchester City are reportedly searching for a new director of football with claims Txiki Begiristain is set to leave the club next year.

It has been widely reported that Begiristain will leave Man City in 2025. The 60-year-old joined City in 2012 and has had an instrumental impact in transforming the club into a global powerhouse. And reports have also revealed one of the key candidates that could be in line to take over.

According to football expert, Fabrizio Romano, Sporting CP director of football Hugo Viana is ‘top of Manchester City’s list’ to become the club’s new director of football. If a move materialises it will be the 41-year-old’s first permanent return to England since leaving Newcastle United as a player around 20 years ago.

Romano posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Sporting director of football Hugo Viana is Manchester City’s favorite candidate to replace Txiki Begiristain. After excellent work at Sporting with several top signings including Gyokeres, Diomandé, Hjulmand and more, he’s top of#MCFC list as new director.”

Viana joined Newcastle from Sporting in 2002 for £8.5million which was a club record paid for a teenager at the time. Viana has been director of football at Sporting since 2018, overseeing two Primeira Liga title wins in that time - including last season. Viana’s signings of Viktor Gyökeres, Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand have helped Sporting climb back to the top of Portuguese football.

The BBC report: “He [Begiristain] has been repeatedly praised by Guardiola for the work he has done behind the scenes with City's recruitment. Sources told BBC Sport that this season will be his last at the club. The news comes as Guardiola enters the final months of his current contract.

“Asked about his situation on Friday before his side's 3-2 win over Fulham, Guardiola said: "I said at the beginning [of the season that] I'm not going to talk about this subject. What will happen will happen.”