According to a report by TEAMtalk, Francesco Farioli is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are scouring the managerial market amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Pep Guardiola. So, the 36-year-old FC Porto head coach has emerged as a target for them.
Francesco Farioli has established himself as one of the world’s best young managers in the last few years. Born in Barga, the promising tactician never played football as a professional and instead pursued philosophy and sports science at the University of Florence. He began his coaching career with Margine Coperta, a lower-division Italian football club.
After that, Farioli cut his teeth in the Aspire Academy in Qatar before landing on his feet in Turkiye, first as an assistant manager at Alanyaspor before becoming the head coach at Fatih Karagumruk. The 36-year-old returned to Alanyaspor in 2023 but finally rose in prominence during his spells with OGC Nice and Ajax.
However, the Italian tactician has seen his stock skyrocket since joining FC Porto in July 2025. Farioli has taken no time to make his mark at the Portuguese club, guiding them to the top of the Primeira Liga standings. So, it is hardly surprising that he has become a target for several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League, with Manchester City joining the battle for his signature.
Manchester City’s interest in Francesco Farioli is understandable. Pep Guardiola faces an uncertain future at the Etihad, as widespread speculation surrounding his future has mounted in recent weeks. The former Barcelona manager may call time on his spell with Manchester City after the 2025/26 season, compelling the Premier League club to look for a replacement.
Several candidates, including Cesc Fabregas, have thus emerged on Manchester City’s wishlist, with Farioli also a viable target. However, the FC Porto head coach is a part of a long list of candidates the Premier League giants are monitoring as they look for a long-term replacement for Guardiola.
Recent reports have claimed that Vincent Kompany is Manchester City’s top target to replace Guardiola this summer. So, it will be interesting to see if Farioli usurps the other candidates to become the next Manchester City boss. For now, the 36-year-old Italian tactician will be focused on delivering the Primeira Liga title to FC Porto this season.
