Txiki Begiristain to Leave Man City After 12 Years

Txiki Begiristain will leave his role as director of football at Manchester City at the end of the season after 12 successful years with the club. Begiristain, who joined City in 2012 has overseen a trophy-laden period during which the club won seven Premier League titles, two FA Cups, six EFL Cups and their first-ever Champions League. In a statement, City praised Begiristain’s contributions to the club.

He will remain in his position until the club competes in the summer 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Hugo Viana from Sporting CP will succeed him, working alongside Begiristain to ensure a seamless transition before officially assuming the role. Begiristain played a key role in transforming City’s recruitment strategy and was instrumental in bringing Pep Guardiola to the club as manager in 2016.

Guardiola has often credited Begiristain for his efforts behind the scenes.  The news of Begiristain’s departure coincides with Guardiola entering the final months of his current contract and the ongoing Premier League disciplinary commission into City’s alleged financial breaches. Hugo Viana a former midfielder will succeed as City’s director of football.

He played for Newcastle United and enjoyed a successful career in Portugal, Spain and the UAE. As Sporting CP’s sporting director, Viana helped the club win two league titles, including their first in 19 years in 2021. He also secured significant transfer deals for the club including Bruno Fernandes’ move to Manchester United for £67.7 million and Matheus Nunes’ transfer to Wolves for £42.2 million.

Manchester City expressed their gratitude for Txiki Begiristain’s contributions and plan to honor him at the end of the season while Hugo Viana’s arrival marks a new chapter in the club’s future.