Man City confirm agreement for new director of football

Manchester City have confirmed Hugo Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain as the club's director of football next summer.

It was recently revealed that Begiristain will end his long-standing association with City, which dates back to 2012, at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Sporting CP's Hugo Viana was quickly touted as the preferred replacement and City have now confirmed a deal to sign the 41-year-old.

"Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season," a club statement read.

"Following a trophy-laden twelve years at the Etihad Stadium, Txiki will leave his current post following the club's involvement in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup and will be succeeded by Hugo Viana of Sporting CP.

"Viana will begin his full-time role in the summer of 2025, but will collaborate with Txiki in the preceding months to ensure a smooth transition.

"We look forward to paying tribute to Txiki's outstanding contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season."

Former Portugal international Viana spent most of his playing career in his homeland, coming through the Sporting academy and spending plenty of time with Braga, but he does boast Premier League knowledge thanks to a spell with Newcastle United.

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