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When Man City are expecting Hugo Viana to arrive as they hope to agree deal with Sporting Lisbon

Lee Connor

Fri 13 December 2024 11:45, UK Updated Fri 13 December 2024 12:40, UK

• EXCLUSIVE – with Graeme Bailey

Manchester City’s wayward start to the season is causing ripple effects through the club and they are now hoping for some positive news when it comes to the appointment of Hugo Viana.

Viana is set to join City next summer and lead the club’s rebuild under Pep Guardiola, regardless of if they win the title or not.

꧋City are making moves off the field to put themselves in the best position possible to get that rebuild right and Viana’s appointment from Sporting Lisbon is seen as key.

🥃However, with the tricky start to the season, City could be set to make a push to get Viana involved earlier than first planned.

Manchester City want Hugo Viana involved before the summer

🦋TBR Football understands that Manchester City are hoping that a deal can be struck with Sporting that will see Hugo Viana arrive at the club before the end of the season.

🔯Viana has agreed to replace Txiki Begiristain as City’s sporting director in the summer, when the Spaniard will step away from football.

ꦰViana is due to take up his role at the end of the season but City confirmed there will be some ‘collaboration’ to help facilitate his transition.

ꦑHowever, with City needing to hit the ground running next summer as they anticipate something of a squad overhaul they would ideally like Viana in before the end.

🅷TBR Football understands that they are not pushing for him to come in January as that is unrealistic given Sporting’s needs – but they hope he could arrive soon after that.

City have to get it right this summer

We saw Sir Alex Ferguson🗹 continually rebuild Man United and be successful and now that’s the challenge for Pep Guardiola.

ꦫGuardiola will have money to spend and there’s likely to be some players moved on as well.

⛎However, it’s crucial that he brings in the right players as well. Years ago, the Spaniard went all out to sign top full-backs and it will be interesting to see what avenue he goes down this time.

𒉰Right now, City look like they need a whole new midfield and that could well be Pep’s priority.