Manchester City are close to reaching a financial settlement with Chelsea that will enable them to appoint Enzo Maresca as their manager. The agreement is expected to be worth more than £10 million to Chelsea, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Chelsea demands compensation for former coach
Chelsea are demanding compensation from City to release Maresca, as they believe they have evidence the Italian breached his contract at Stamford Bridge by talking to the club’s Premier League rivals while still their manager last season. It has been widely reported that Maresca informed Chelsea he had been approached by City and Napoli last winter, leading to his surprise resignation on New Year’s Day—a claim that has never been disputed.
Impact of Maresca's departure
Chelsea are adamant they deserve compensation for the loss of Maresca, whose departure destabilised a season that ended with them finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European qualification. However, the clubs maintain a good relationship and are confident an amicable agreement can be reached.
The club paid Leicester £8m in compensation to secure Maresca two years ago, and in January made another multimillion-pound payment to sister club Strasbourg to bring in Liam Rosenior as his replacement.
Legal considerations
Chelsea sources have indicated they have sufficient evidence to report City to the Premier League for an illegal approach, but have no plans to do so and are continuing negotiations. Chelsea have also considered a separate legal claim against Maresca for breach of contract, but that is likely to be dropped if a deal with City is reached.
A financial settlement worth more than £10m is thought to be the likely outcome, with negotiations over finer details continuing. City do not return for pre-season training until mid-next month, as 19 players are away at the World Cup, giving time to resolve the matter. Maresca is eager to start work for City as soon as possible. Chelsea and City declined to comment.
