The Football Association (FA) has set its sights on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as their top choice to replace Gareth Southgate as England’s national team coach. Despite current interim manager Lee Carsley overseeing the team, the FA is hesitant to make his role permanent. Guardiola, considered by many within the FA as the ideal candidate, was approached over the summer, and the association is reportedly willing to wait until his Manchester City contract expires in 2025.
Guardiola’s Contract and Potential Roadblocks
Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2025, creating a timing issue for the FA. England has several important matches scheduled before then, including November fixtures against Greece and Ireland, which Carsley is already committed to. However, Guardiola’s long-term appeal makes him worth the wait, according to FA officials.
Additionally, concerns have arisen regarding Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. While Guardiola is not implicated, the FA remains cautious about the potential impact this investigation could have on any official move to bring him on board.
Financial Considerations
One of the biggest obstacles for the FA is Guardiola’s salary. The Spanish manager currently earns £20 million per year at Manchester City, far exceeding the FA’s typical budget for an England coach. For comparison, Gareth Southgate was earning around £6 million annually.
Despite these hurdles, Guardiola has previously expressed interest in becoming a national team manager, and the FA hopes that shaping England’s football future could appeal to him. Other contenders for the role include Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, though negotiations to release him from his current contract could prove difficult.
Interim Manager Lee Carsley
Lee Carsley, currently serving as England’s interim manager, has publicly voiced his support for the appointment of a foreign coach, should it be the best candidate for the job. His mixed messaging regarding his own future has cast doubt over his willingness to take on the role permanently. Although Carsley remains a genuine candidate, the FA is leaning toward a more experienced and high-profile option like Guardiola.
With England looking to rebound from recent underwhelming performances, the FA’s decision on the next permanent manager is critical to the future success of the national team.
