Man City have already lined up £8.5m Newcastle United flop as 2025 'signing'
Manchester City have reportedly earmarked Newcastle United flop Hugo Viana to become their new sporting director.
Txiki Begiristain, previously at Barcelona but has been at the Etihad for 12 years, will step down at the end of the season. City tactically appointed the 60-year-old in 2012 as a precursor to Pep Guardiola’s appointment.
The news has fuelled further talk about whether Guardiola will stay on beyond the current campaign. He has previously hinted at leaving Man City in 2025 when his contract is due to expire.
With the champions also embroiled in off-field drama, fighting the Premier League on multiple legal fronts, a major reshuffle could take place at the Etihad next year.
They already lost CEO Omar Berrada to cross-city rivals Manchester United earlier this year.
Several sources claim City have pinpointed former Newcastle midfielder Viana as Begiristain’s successor for sporting director. Signed by Sir Bobby Robson for £8.5million in 2002, the Portuguese failed to fulfil expectations at St James’ Park.
The fee was a world record for a teenager at the time but he played just 56 times in four years, with his final two seasons spent out on loan. Viana was billed as Gary Speed’s long-term replacement but never adapted to the rigours of English football.
Since returning in 2016, the now 41-year-old has honed his skills at boardroom level. He was appointed Sporting Lisbon - the club Newcastle bought him from two decades ago - director of football in 2018.
That period has resulted in the Portuguese giants winning two league titles, nurturing talent like Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Viana as the “favourite” to take charge at City.