Man City set for unexpected departure after winning historic Premier League legal battle

Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain is set to resign at the end of the season.

Begiristain joined City in 2012 and played a key role in overseeing the club's transformation into an English and European giant.

During his tenure at City's DoF, the Manchester-based side have won seven Premier League titles and one Champions League, which they won as part of a league and cup treble two years ago. seasons.

The Athletic reports that Begiristain will leave City at the end of the current campaign – a decision which has the full blessing of the City hierarchy.

The report suggests the 60-year-old had planned to step back five years ago, at the age of 55, but was so invested in the city's project that he decided to stay even longer.

However, after turning 60 in August, Begiristain has since decided it was the perfect time to leave the club.

According to the report, City have already reached an agreement with Begiristain's replacement.

It is claimed his successor will begin his role as City's director of football in early 2025, with Begiristain expected to stay on for six months to help oversee the transition.

Begiristain could be one of several key departures from City next summer, with Pep Guardiola's future still up in the air.

The Catalan coach is out of contract at the end of the term and although City bosses are determined to keep him at the Etihad Stadium, no decision on his future has yet been made.

But Guardiola has previously praised his compatriot's work, even citing it as a reason to extend his own contract in the past.

Speaking to the club's official website in 2021, Guardiola said: “One of the reasons why I extended my contract twice is because Txiki is there.

“We work incredibly well together. When we win, we try to analyze why. When we lose, we try to analyze why. We don't judge others. We both work for the best of this club.

“Above all, he is the most humble person I have ever met. He never goes to the media. Always, success is for others. He's always behind the scenes…

“That’s why it’s a pleasure to work with him because I can do my work with complete freedom, accept the good and bad times and share together.”

It's been just over 24 hours since the Blues made a historic decision against the Premier League over its rules on associated party transactions (APT).

An independent commission has ruled that certain sections of the rules are illegal – a decision that could have huge consequences for the rest of the league.

All 20 clubs have reportedly been invited to an emergency meeting next week to discuss the APT's decision.