The international football scene has been shaken by reports placing Enzo Maresca as the leading candidate to take over Manchester City should Pep Guardiola depart at the end of the season.
Following his departure from Chelsea on January 1, the Italian coach is increasingly being seen as the ideal successor on the Etihad Stadium bench. The possibility of Guardiola’s cycle coming to an end has forced the club’s hierarchy to think about a profile that guarantees tactical continuity and a clear playing identity.
In this transition scenario, Maresca has already set his absolute priority for the summer transfer window: the return of a player who knows the club well and has now become a global football star.
Maresca’s request: the return of Cole Palmer to Manchester City
According to sources close to the club, Maresca has been clear in his communication with City’s directors: Cole Palmer is the key to his sporting project.
For the Italian coach, the attacking midfielder is not merely a reinforcement, but the cornerstone around which he intends to build the team’s attacking phase in the post-Guardiola era. Manchester City are aware of this request and are seriously assessing the financial cost that bringing back a former academy product would entail.
The excellent relationship between Maresca and Palmer is considered the main factor behind the shared success they previously achieved in London.
Palmer’s maturity after international triumphs
Cole Palmer’s evolution has been extraordinary since his departure from City.
Under Maresca’s guidance, he became Chelsea’s absolute leader, playing a decisive role in winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup.
These successes have significantly raised the player’s level and maturity. His winning experience and deep understanding of Manchester City’s playing philosophy would make his adaptation almost immediate, minimizing any sporting risk.
Maresca aims to replicate a winning formula by capitalizing on the vision, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct Palmer has developed over the past year.
