Manchester City Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain is poised to leave the club at the end of the current season.
Originally, the Spaniard planned to reduce his involvement in day-to-day operations when he turned 55.
However, his deep commitment to the City project led him to extend his tenure until his 60th birthday, according to reports from The Athletic.
Man City have reportedly reached an agreement to appoint a replacement, who is expected to begin in early 2025.
While there are no indications as to who this successor might be, the club benefits from a leadership hierarchy that is already familiar with one another, notably with current CEO Ferran Soriano having worked alongside Begiristain at Barcelona.
Begiristain served as the technical director at Barcelona from 2008 to 2010, during which Pep Guardiola transformed the Catalans into one of the greatest club sides in history.
His pivotal role in persuading Guardiola to join Manchester City in 2016 was a significant moment for the club.
Begiristain’s enjoyment of working with Guardiola was a key factor in his decision to extend his stay beyond his initial plan.
Guardiola has consistently praised Begiristain, acknowledging his vital contribution to the club’s success in the Premier League.
He said: “Txiki has been massively important at this club.
“He was here before I arrived and was stable in the club.
“He has been really important in these years and part of the enormous success we’ve had in terms of results and many things, he has been so important.
“I do ask him to take responsibility with the media, talk a bit, but he’s so shy.
“He wants to be behind the scenes so all the shots and the weapons are directed to me.
“But it was the same in Barcelona.
“He’s a close friend and we’ve known each other 25 or 30 years.
“He’s calm and that balance helps us work perfectly together.”
Read more: Anderlecht in talks with Tottenham’s Ryan Mason over vacant manager’s role
Chelsea and Nottingham Forest hit with FA charge for failing to control players
Manchester United handed injury blow as Harry Maguire set to be out for ‘a few weeks’
