Pep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season, and rumors are swirling about who might step into his shoes if he departs. One name in the mix is Sporting Lisbon’s rising star, Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United and former Sporting player, believes Amorim is well-equipped to succeed Guardiola at City. At just 39, Amorim has already made a name for himself in Portugal, leading Sporting to league titles in his first full season and again last year. His success has put him on the radar of top clubs, with reports linking him to Liverpool before Arne Slot was appointed and even to West Ham to replace David Moyes.
Ultimately, Amorim stayed loyal to Sporting, but with Guardiola’s future uncertain—his contract runs until June 2025—there’s growing speculation that City may target Amorim for the top job. Adding fuel to the fire, Sporting’s Hugo Viana is tipped to replace City’s outgoing sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, and could bring Amorim along for the ride.
Fernandes, who left Sporting shortly before Amorim’s arrival, had high praise for his potential successor at City. Speaking to CNN Portugal, Fernandes stated: “Since Mr. Amorim arrived at Sporting, they’ve been one of the best teams in terms of football. They’re consistent, the signings have been spot-on, and they’re in great form. It’s a well-prepared team.”
He continued, “Winning championships with Sporting isn’t easy—they went 20 years without one, and Amorim has already won two. That says a lot about his work. Whether he can replicate that success in England or elsewhere is always a question, but his qualities are clear for everyone to see.”
But the big question remains: will there even be an opening at Manchester City? Guardiola hasn’t ruled out staying longer, despite acknowledging the strain of a near-decade-long stint at the same club. “Nine years at one club today is an eternity,” Guardiola said in July. “I want to make sure it’s the right decision for me, the club, and the players, who’ve been running hard for eight years. I know I won’t stay another eight years, but right now, we’re still winning titles and competing at the highest levels. We’ll see.”
City fans may have to wait and see if Guardiola stays or if Amorim’s name moves from rumor to reality.
