Guardiola ‘makes secret pact with iconic former player’ to take on huge next job

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly the subject of an ambitious plan to become Brazil's next manager, with an iconic former player driving the plot.

Guardiola's future at the Etihad Stadium is clouded by increasing uncertainty with the Spaniard's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 53-year-old was heavily linked with the England post last month before the FA turned to German coach Thomas Tuchel, and has previously shared his ambitions to one day coach a national team.

“A national team,” Guardiola said earlier this year. 'I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.

'When I started this, I never thought about winning a league title or the Champions League. No. I thought: do I have a job? OK. I would like to have the experience of going to a World Cup, or a European Championship, or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that.'

And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Real Madrid have made legend Ronaldo Guardiola the central figure in his bid to become the next president of the Brazilian federation, promising to recruit the City boss if he is elected.

The report suggests Ronaldo wants to bring Guardiola to Brazil in 2026, a year after his contract with City expires.

Before that, Ronaldo would have to reconsider his personal affairs if he wants to be successful in his election campaign. He currently owns Spanish side Real Valladolid and should sell his shares in the club.

He reportedly has the support of several key figures in Brazilian football, including former Corinthians president Andres Sanchez.

Guardiola has been strongly linked with the Brazil job and the current president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, this week denied having had contact with the Spaniard.

“Although he is one of the best coaches in the world, there was no involvement from the CBF to make any contact,” he told ESPN Brasil.

'We have worked with the technical staff led by Dorival Júnior and we are satisfied. Yes [Dorival continues]The point is that he has a contract, the CBF has until 2026, he will continue until the World Cup… It's up to him.'

According to ESPN, the most recent contact between Brazil and Guardiola took place in 2022.