Enzo Maresca holds dominant positioning in the next Manchester City manager market because recent reporting has identified the Italian as the club’s leading internal candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola. Multiple sources confirm positive talks and an agreement in principle for Maresca, who previously worked in the City setup, to take over if Guardiola departs at the end of the current campaign despite having one year remaining on his contract. This succession planning, led by director of football Hugo Viana, has concentrated trader sentiment around the former Chelsea head coach. Other names such as Andoni Iraola and Julian Nagelsmann sit far behind, reflecting limited credible alternatives at this stage. A contract extension for Guardiola or an unexpected shift in club strategy remain the primary factors that could still reopen the field.