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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Begiristain will leave City in the summer</li><li>Instrumental in hiring Guardiola in 2016</li><li>City eyeing Sporting chief Hugo Viana</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Ex-Newcastle flop emerges as surprise 'favourite candidate' to replace Txiki Begiristain as Man City director of football

<p>The reigning Premier League champions are set to lose Begiristain after it was reported that the Spaniard will <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-city-director-of-football-txiki-begiristain-pep-guardiola-future/blt23d6b15d1803b43c" target="_blank">step down from his role as director of football</a> at the end of the season. Begiristain helped turn City into English football's dominant force after his arrival in 2012, playing a major role in Pep Guardiola's hiring four years later, and has repeatedly been praised by the City boss for his work behind the scenes. His departure leaves a void to fill but City have already identified their ideal replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Romano reports that Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1843742019967168533" target="_blank">Viana is City's "favorite candidate" to replace Begiristain</a>. Viana has earned a fine reputation following his work in Portugal, which includes the signings of Victor Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand, who helped Sporting win the Primeira Liga last season.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Viana has previous experience of English football, joining Newcastle United as a 19-year-old in 2002. He struggled to cement a regular spot in the starting line-up though and was loaned out in 2004 before leaving permanently two years later.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>City's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-city-war-premier-league-leaked-email-19-other-clubs-statement/blt0241dd970bc28584" target="_blank">legal battle with the Premier League</a> is still ongoing, while on the pitch the club are attempting to land a fifth-straight title. Guardiola's side face Wolves in their first game after the international break on October 20.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

Ex-Newcastle flop emerges as surprise 'favourite candidate' to replace Txiki Begiristain as Man City director of football | Goal.com Kenya

Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana is Manchester City&apos;s favourite candidate to replace the outgoing Txiki Begiristain.

Ex-Newcastle flop emerges as surprise &apos;favourite candidate&apos; to replace Txiki Begiristain as Man City director of football