Manchester Metropolis have confirmed the appointment of Hugo Viana as their new director of soccer.
Viana replaces Txiki Begiristain after it was introduced the Spaniard would step down on the finish of the 2024-25 season.
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“Viana will start his full-time position in the summertime of 2025, however will collaborate with Txiki within the previous months to make sure a clean transition,” a Metropolis assertion stated.
“We sit up for paying tribute to Txiki’s excellent contribution to Manchester Metropolis on the finish of the season.”
Viana hung out at Sporting CP, Newcastle United and Valencia as a participant and gained 29 caps for Portugal between 2001 and 2012.
He was appointed as Sporting’s director of soccer in 2018 and helped the membership win the Portuguese title in 2021 and 2024 regardless of robust competitors from Benfica and FC Porto.
He is credited with bringing in Ruben Amorim as supervisor in 2020, who has additionally performed a key position in returning Sporting to the highest of Portuguese soccer.
Sources have instructed ESPN that Metropolis additionally regarded carefully at Girona sporting director Quique Carcel earlier than pursuing a deal for Viana.
Begiristain’s determination to depart the Etihad has thrown Pep Guardiola’s future into additional doubt.
The pair have labored carefully at Metropolis and Guardiola will likely be out of contract on the finish of the season.
The 53-year-old has to this point dodged questions on whether or not he’ll signal one other contract extension.
Sources have instructed ESPN that Metropolis need Guardiola to remain and would really like a sign about his plans for the longer term earlier than the brand new yr.
Data from ESPN’s Rob Dawson contributed to this report.
