WREXHAM NEWS: Heartbreak for Manchester City Fans as International Best Coach Pep Guadiola Departs to Join Newly Promoted Wrexham AFC on a Three-Year Free Transfer
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Manchester City’s esteemed manager, Pep Guardiola, has announced his departure from the club to take the helm at newly promoted Wrexham AFC on a three-year free transfer. This unexpected move marks a significant shift in the football landscape, as one of the game’s most successful managers joins a club that has recently ascended to the EFL Championship.
Guardiola, who has been at the forefront of Manchester City’s dominance in English football since 2016, has led the club to numerous titles, including six Premier League championships and a historic continental treble in the 2022–23 season. His decision to leave the Etihad Stadium comes after a period of introspection, during which he expressed a desire for new challenges and hinted at stepping away from club management. In a previous statement, Guardiola mentioned, “I’m not going to manage another team… Maybe a national team, but that’s different” .
Wrexham AFC, under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has experienced a meteoric rise through the English football tiers, achieving three consecutive promotions to reach the Championship for the 2025–26 season . The appointment of Guardiola is seen as a bold statement of intent by the club’s ambitious owners, aiming to solidify Wrexham’s position in the higher echelons of English football
In a press conference held at the Racecourse Ground, Guardiola expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “Joining Wrexham AFC is an exciting opportunity. The club’s recent achievements and the vision set forth by its owners resonate with my passion for developing football projects. I look forward to contributing to the club’s continued success.”
Manchester City fans have expressed mixed emotions regarding Guardiola’s departure. While many are grateful for the unprecedented success he brought to the club, his exit marks the end of a significant era. The club has yet to announce a successor, leaving supporters eager for news on the future direction of the team.
As Wrexham prepares for its inaugural season in the Championship, the addition of Guardiola to the managerial team is expected to attract attention both domestically and internationally. The club’s journey, already captivating due to its unique ownership and rapid ascent, now takes on an added layer of intrigue with one of football’s most decorated managers at the helm.