Txiki Begiristain leaves Manchester City after 13 Years as Director of Football

Manchester City have officially confirmed the departure of Txiki Begiristain, who steps down as Director of Football after 13 historic years at the club.

Manchester City have announced the departure of Txiki Begiristain, bringing to an end a remarkable 13-year spell as the club’s Director of Football.

Begiristain played a central role in building the dominant City era — overseeing the recruitment of world-class players, implementing a long-term football philosophy, and forming a key part of the club’s success on and off the pitch.

Having joined from Barcelona in 2012, he leaves behind a glittering legacy that includes six Premier League titles, two domestic trebles, and a Champions League triumph in 2023.

Txiki arrived in Manchester alongside CEO Ferran Soriano with a clear vision: to turn City into a European powerhouse, both in performance and infrastructure.

His influence was most visible in the transfer market. From signing Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri, to bringing in Pep Guardiola in 2016, Begiristain helped construct the most complete squad in English football history.

His partnership with Guardiola transformed City into a relentless winning machine — one that redefined domestic dominance and finally conquered Europe.

Begiristain’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful front-office tenures in Premier League history. While Guardiola has rightly received plaudits, Txiki’s work behind the scenes made it all possible.

With succession plans already in motion, City’s next Director of Football will inherit a well-oiled machine — but will also face pressure to sustain the current level of dominance.

The club are expected to announce a new football executive in the coming weeks, with internal figures and CFG-connected candidates under consideration.

Txiki, meanwhile, is expected to take time away from the game — though some reports suggest he could be targeted by European clubs seeking elite-level rebuilds.

Manchester City are expected to announce a new Director of Football before the 2025/26 season begins. Internal candidates from the City Football Group structure — including executives from Girona, Troyes and New York City FC — are being considered.

The transition comes at a pivotal time. With Pep Guardiola entering what could be his final contract year, City’s long-term planning and recruitment strategy will face major scrutiny.

In the short term, City’s existing recruitment staff are expected to handle transfer business — including resolving Ederson’s future and finding a backup striker — before the window closes in late August.

Begiristain’s successor will need to hit the ground running in a club built for sustained, data-driven success — but one that now needs to evolve again.

How big is Txiki’s impact on Manchester City’s rise — and can anyone truly replace him?