3 possible destinations for Pep Guardiola in the summer

Manchester City’s UEFA ban could have far-reaching consequences in the future of the club. The current Premier League champions have been handed a 2-year ban from the UEFA Champions League and a €30m fine due to breaching of Financial Fair Play rules. While the ban is subject to appeal by the club, there’s no denying that it is a serious setback to the club’s plans.

There’s no denying that the ban would make it harder for City to entice world class talents to the Etihad in the coming seasons. Holding on to their prized assets will also be a concern, as their squad might be raided by clubs offering Champions League football. However, one of the biggest concerns for City at the moment will be the future of the man who single-handedly turned their fortunes around on the pitch – Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard had previously spoken of a desire to continue managing at the Etihad beyond the summer, but might be forced to reconsider his decision in the wake of the ban. If he does want to seek greener pastures, Guardiola will not be short of suitors around Europe and today, we present you 3 possible destinations for the Catalan in the summer.

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3. Juventus

Guardiola would relish teaming up with Ronaldo

Even though Maurizio Sarri has performed admirably in Turin this season, there’s still a general notion that the task at hand might be too big for the former Chelsea manager. The Old Lady have been linked with Guardiola and having courted the Catalan manager for quite some time, the recent developments at Manchester could certainly have the Serie A giants circling City like sharks.

For Guardiola, a move to Turin might be enticing, given that he is yet to set foot in Italy as a manager. On the other hand, taking charge of a side craving for the Champions League trophy would also appeal to him. Juventus have a stellar squad, plus there’s also the prospect of working with Cristiano Ronaldo and he could be the only man who has managed both players. The Serie A giants are not averse to spending money in the transfer market either, which would suit Guardiola’s requirements.

There are some rumours that Juventus have a pre-agreement in place with the former Bayern Munich manager, but there’s nothing conclusive in those reports. Guardiola has also received a seal of approval from Alessandro Del Piero, who believes that the Spaniard would be perfect for the Old Lady.

I think Guardiola is a good fit for every club for what he did in the past and what he is doing now… he won in Germany he won in Spain and now I guess what is missing is Italy and France.

It could be really interesting to see him in Italy definitely. This summer should be a hot summer, also in football!

2. Paris Saint-Germain

Kylian Mbappe

Just like Italy, Guardiola is yet to bring his brand of football to France and there’s no better time than now for that to happen. Paris Saint-Germain are craving for Champions League glory too, already have some of the best players in the world in their armoury and maybe, just maybe, Guardiola’s arrival could convince Kylian Mbappe to stay!

Thomas Tuchel’s position at the hot seat in Paris is under threat, and the recent spat with Mbappe has put his future on doubt. The former Borussia Dortmund manager has above 76% win percentage with the Ligue 1 giants and has enjoyed huge domestic success since taking over PSG. Last season, PSG were cruelly knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Manchester United, and this time, they are already trailing to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the round of 16. While it would be too immature to rule them out of the competition before the second leg, if the PSG hierarchy are looking for alternatives to Tuchel, Guardiola’s availability would have them rubbing their hands in glee.

The Spaniard would also relish the new challenge and PSG’s financial muscle power would represent a viable opportunity to get his hands back on the coveted Champions League trophy that has eluded him for so long.

1. Barcelona

Guardiola reuniting with Lionel Messi could set the football world on fire

The Barcelona and Guardiola pairing was a match made in football heaven and during his 4 years at Camp Nou, the Spaniard presented the world with arguably one of the greatest sides in the history of the beautiful game. Guardiola left with a trophy cabinet full of silverware – 3 La Liga titles, 2 Copa Del Rey, 2 Supercopa de Espana, 2 UEFA Champions League, 2 UEFA Super Cup, and 2 FIFA Club World Cup trophies. However, the end of his tenure wasn’t the most memorable, which is why he could believe that he still has some unfinished business in Catalonia.

The reigning La Liga Champions have not been at their best in recent seasons, despite the presence of the best player in the world in their ranks. The Blaugrana share the same craving for the UEFA Champions League that has troubled Guardiola since his departure from Camp Nou and there’s no one better to lead them back to European glory.

Earlier in December of last year, Barcelona chief Josep Bartomeu mentioned that the door would always be open for Guardiola should he consider a return to the Camp Nou. An indifferent form in the Premier League and the current ban might tilt the tide heavily in the La Liga side’s favor. It would be criminal of the Barcelona management to not explore the possibility of a return for one of their most successful managers. The time is right, and it is a move that would benefit both Guardiola and Barcelona. It might even gift football fans another exciting team to drool over in the coming years.