Manchester City's long-serving Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, has officially resigned after a transformative 13-year tenure at the club. The Premier League champions confirmed on Thursday that Hugo Viana from Sporting CP will succeed him.
Begiristain joined Manchester City in 2012 and has been a pivotal figure behind the club’s most successful period in history. During Begiristain's tenure, the team clinched seven Premier League titles, bagged two FA Cups, seized six EFL Cups, emerged triumphant in the UEFA Champions League and secured victory in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Working closely with City’s ownership and board, Begiristain was instrumental in building an elite recruitment structure and modernizing football operations at the club. His tenure is widely credited with reshaping Manchester City into a dominant force in European football.
Legacy of talent recruitment
Begiristain played an essential role in identifying and securing world-class talent for Manchester City. Notable signings under his watch include Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Rodri - players who have significantly contributed to maintaining one of the most consistent squads in top-flight football. His deep ties to Spanish football and earlier success as Barcelona’s Director of Football brought strategic vision and credibility to City's project.
Begiristain's departure has sparked fresh speculation about Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City. The two Spaniards have maintained a close professional relationship since Guardiola arrived at the club in 2016.
Guardiola's current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024–25 season; however, he has yet to confirm his long-term plans. With Begiristain's exit, questions are arising about whether Guardiola may also consider moving on after nearly a decade in charge.
Hugo Viana steps in
Hugo Viana, the 41-year-old former Portuguese international and current Sporting CP executive, will succeed Begiristain. Viana has earned recognition in Portugal for his sharp eye for talent and his role in Sporting’s recent resurgence.
Under his leadership, Sporting clinched their first Primeira Liga title win in 19 years in 2021. As he steps into this new role at Manchester City, fans and stakeholders alike will be keen to see how he continues the legacy of success established by Begiristain.
