Manchester City are close to reaching a financial settlement with Chelsea that will enable them to appoint Enzo Maresca as their manager.
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Chelsea’s Compensation Demand
Chelsea are demanding compensation from City to release Maresca, arguing that they have evidence the Italian breached his contract at Stamford Bridge by talking to Premier League rivals while still their manager last season.
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It has been widely reported that Maresca informed Chelsea he had been approached by City and Napoli last winter in the chaotic weeks leading to his surprise resignation on New Year’s Day, a claim that has never been disputed.
Chelsea insist they deserve compensation for the loss of Maresca, whose departure destabilised their season, ending with a 10th‑place finish in the Premier League and no European qualification. Despite this, they maintain a good relationship with the City and are confident of reaching an amicable agreement.
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Previous Compensation Deals
Chelsea previously paid Leicester £8m in compensation to secure Maresca two years ago, and in January made another multimillion‑pound payment to Strasbourg to bring in Liam Rosenior as his replacement.
Chelsea sources indicated they have sufficient evidence to report City to the Premier League for making an illegal approach to Maresca, but they have no plans to do so and continue negotiations. They also considered a separate legal claim against Maresca for breach of contract, but that is likely to be dropped if a settlement is reached.
Likely Outcome
A financial settlement worth more than £10m to Chelsea is thought to be the likely outcome, with negotiations over the finer details ongoing.
City do not return for pre‑season training until mid‑July, as 19 players are away at the World Cup, giving them time to resolve the matter. Maresca, however, is eager to start work as soon as possible.
Both Chelsea and City declined to comment.
