Manchester City has officially announced the departure of long-serving sporting director Txiki Begiristain, marking a significant milestone in the club’s evolving new chapter. This strategic change signals a pivotal moment for the reigning Premier League champions as they look towards future triumphs under fresh leadership.
Begiristain, a highly respected figure in European football and a former Barcelona player and executive, joined Manchester City in 2012. Over the past decade, he has been instrumental in shaping the club’s unprecedented era of dominance, overseeing a period of remarkable growth and success both on and off the pitch.
Under Begiristain’s astute guidance, Manchester City amassed an astonishing 21 major trophies in 13 years, including an impressive seven Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and their inaugural Champions League crown. His tenure is also highlighted by the recruitment of transformational figures such as manager Pep Guardiola and generational talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and İlkay Gündoğan, solidifying City’s position as a global football powerhouse.
The club has consistently lauded the Spanish executive as one of the sport’s “greatest directors of football,” crediting him with building a robust foundation for sustained success. His strategic vision and transfer market prowess have been key components of City’s celebrated trajectory.
While Begiristain’s departure was initially confirmed in October 2024, the formal handover of responsibilities and the full integration of his successor, Hugo Viana, are now complete. Viana, recognized for his previous stint as a Newcastle United midfielder, commenced working alongside Begiristain in April, seamlessly transitioning into his new role just as the new season commences.
The initial months of Viana’s influence have already seen considerable activity in the transfer market. Together, he and Begiristain oversaw six new signings during June and July, with an expenditure exceeding £150 million ($198.5 million), including a significant £27 million ($35.7 million) investment in a new goalkeeper. This early activity underscores the club’s proactive approach to squad reinforcement.
A key question on the minds of fans and analysts alike is whether this full leadership transition at this stage of the summer transfer window implies that Manchester City will make no further significant signings before the September 1 deadline. Viana’s immediate focus appears to be on integrating the current acquisitions.
Hugo Viana arrives at City with a burgeoning reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young football executives. The 42-year-old honed his skills over seven years as sporting director at Sporting CP, the club where he began his professional career at age 15. In Lisbon, Viana was pivotal in recruiting manager Ruben Amorim in 2020 and collaboratively built the Sporting team that secured their first Primeira Liga title since 2001–02, notably predating even Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise to their first team.
This managerial shift represents a fascinating new chapter for Manchester City, as they aim to maintain their elite status and continue their pursuit of silverware under the fresh strategic direction of Hugo Viana, building upon the formidable legacy left by Txiki Begiristain.
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