Manchester City is set to usher in a new era with the appointment of Hugo Viana as their next sporting director, succeeding Txiki Begiristain.
At just 41 years old, Viana has made a name for himself at Sporting CP, the very club City is set to face again in the Champions League this season, marking their second encounter in three years. His tenure at Sporting has seen him make several astute signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, a striker who has been in fierce competition with Erling Haaland for goals this calendar year. Under his leadership, Sporting also saw lucrative deals, like the £52 million acquisition of Matheus Nunes by City and Bruno Fernandes’s £47 million move to Manchester United.
Viana, who previously played for Newcastle United, has been spearheading Sporting’s recruitment efforts since 2018. His transition to Manchester City could begin as early as early 2025, as he is expected to collaborate with Begiristain before the latter’s departure at the end of the 2024/25 season. Begiristain, who has been a key figure at the Etihad since 2012, is committed to ensuring a smooth handover to Viana, although City has yet to publicly confirm Begiristain’s exit.
This appointment marks the dawn of a new chapter for Manchester City, as they bid farewell to Begiristain after more than ten successful years. His role in transforming the sporting director position into a cornerstone of the club’s operations has played a significant role in their achievements. Viana will be charged with guiding City into their next phase of success, navigating challenges ahead, whether Pep Guardiola remains at the helm or not.
