CITY fans know that their time to enjoy Pep Guardiola's football is running out.
The manager admitted after winning the Premier League title that he is 'closer to leaving than staying' on beyond 2025 and sources close him expect next season to be his last at the Etihad.
He may yet change his mind and be convinced it is worth a fourth contract extension, but the club cannot afford to be sentimental with succession planning essential to avoid being hit too hard by the inevitable drop-off that will come.
Part of mitigating that has to do with the yin to Guardiola's yang, sporting director Txiki Begiristain. There have been whispers that his days running the • recruitment team could also be numbered in what would be another seismic departure for City.
From their point of view, it would - make sense.
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