Manchester City has taken decisive action by appointing Hugo Viana as the new sporting director, set to replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season. With Begiristain stepping down, Viana may begin his role at the Etihad sooner than anticipated, allowing him to collaborate with Begiristain before he officially departs in the summer of 2025.
Viana will face the challenge of steering City into a new era of success, regardless of Pep Guardiola’s future with the club. Here’s a look at the latest developments from City following a whirlwind few days at the Etihad.
The Viana Factor
In the realm of player recruitment, Txiki Begiristain is perhaps best known for his pivotal role in appointing Pep Guardiola. While many executives at Barcelona, including Ferran Soriano, considered Jose Mourinho as a successor to Frank Rijkaard in 2008, it was Begiristain who stood firmly in favor of Guardiola. Despite having only one year of experience managing the B team, Begiristain’s influence was instrumental in securing Guardiola’s appointment, which subsequently led to the rise of one of the most remarkable teams in football history.
Although Sporting Lisbon may not be on the same pedestal, Viana’s tenure in his recruitment role has seen him pull off significant coups, such as persuading his superiors to invest €10 million—a substantial part of their budget—in Braga’s manager, Ruben Amorim. This bold move made Amorim one of the most expensive managerial transfers in history, and the results have been nothing short of impressive.
A New Era Ahead
The departure of one of Manchester City’s most influential figures is on the horizon. Txiki Begiristain, who joined the club in 2012, has led an era of recruitment that rivals the best in world football, contributing to a trophy-laden period for the club. His knack for identifying talent and his strong relationship with Guardiola played crucial roles in both men’s successes at City. Begiristain was instrumental in convincing Guardiola to join the club in 2016, promoting City while Guardiola was still at Bayern Munich.
With Begiristain’s exit, City faces a significant transition. However, his decision to recommend Hugo Viana as his successor could ensure a seamless handover. The true test of Begiristain’s legacy will depend on Viana’s ability to uphold City’s high standards and navigate the club through its next chapter.
