Hugo Viana is poised to take over from Txiki Begiristain as the director of football at Manchester City, as reported by The Independent. Begiristain, who had held the position since 2012, will be stepping down at the end of the season, paving the way for Viana to succeed him in this crucial role.
Begiristain’s tenure at Manchester City saw him playing a pivotal role in bringing Pep Guardiola on board as the manager in 2016. Their association dates back to their time at Barcelona, where Begiristain supported Guardiola in his early managerial career. The close bond forged between the two during their time at the Catalan club played a significant role in Guardiola’s eventual move to Manchester City.
In a statement released by the club, Manchester City confirmed Begiristain’s departure at the end of the 2024/25 season, following a successful 12-year stint at the Etihad Stadium. The statement expressed gratitude for Begiristain’s invaluable contributions and announced Hugo Viana, currently with Sporting CP, as his successor. Viana will assume the director of football role at Manchester City starting from the summer of 2025.
The club emphasised the collaborative approach between Begiristain and Viana during the transitional phase to ensure a seamless handover. Manchester City expressed their eagerness to honour Begiristain’s remarkable achievements at the club as his tenure draws to a close.
The upcoming changes in the leadership structure at Manchester City signal a new chapter for the club’s football operations, with Viana set to take on the responsibility of building on the legacy established by Begiristain. As Viana prepares to step into his new role, the football world eagerly anticipates the impact he will have on the future direction of the club.