Manchester City has confirmed that Hugo Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain as the club’s sporting director at the end of the 2024/25 season. The Premier League champions announced the news on Saturday, October 12, 2024, via their official website, marking the end of Begiristain’s successful 12-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
In a statement, the club said:
“Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season. After a trophy-laden twelve years, Txiki will leave following the Club’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Hugo Viana, formerly of Sporting CP, will take over in 2025, working alongside Txiki in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.”
Hugo Viana, a former player with Premier League experience at Manchester City, brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having played for Valencia, Osasuna, and Braga. During his time there, Viana also achieved success in the UAE, helping Shabab Al Ahli (formerly Al Ahli) win the league, Super Cup, and Arabian League Cup. His familiarity with Premier League football and expertise across multiple leagues make him a fitting successor to Begiristain.
The club is set to honor Begiristain’s remarkable contributions at the close of the season, recognizing his integral role in shaping City’s dominant era in English and European football.