Manchester City’s long-standing admiration for Vincent Kompany has never been a secret, but the feeling within the club has now evolved into something far bigger.
What was once a simple appreciation has transformed into a serious and concrete idea: Kompany is increasingly viewed as the perfect and natural successor to Pep Guardiola.
Even though he recently extended his contract with Bayern Munich—an agreement that keeps him tied to the German champions until 2027—his name continues to dominate internal discussions at the Etihad Stadium. Whenever the future beyond the Guardiola era is mentioned, Kompany is the figure that consistently stands out.
This is hardly surprising, considering that he remains one of the most iconic captains in Manchester City’s modern history, a true embodiment of the club’s identity. Over the course of his 360 appearances in the sky-blue shirt, he lifted four Premier League trophies and established himself as a symbol of leadership, loyalty, and character.
Guardiola may still be under contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2027, but several reports and growing speculation suggest he could walk away much earlier—possibly as soon as the end of the current season. Inside the club, this possibility is being taken very seriously.
City’s hierarchy is already preparing for what could be the biggest transition since Guardiola himself arrived in 2016. And among all potential candidates, Kompany seems to check every box: a profound emotional connection to the club, a football philosophy inspired by Guardiola’s own principles, the respect of current and former City players, and a unique place in the hearts of the supporters.
At the same time, Kompany’s managerial reputation is rapidly rising in Germany. His early months at Bayern Munich have been nothing short of impressive. Bayern have won every Champions League group-stage match so far, showing both dominance and consistency on the European stage.
In the Bundesliga, the only points they have dropped came in a surprising draw against Union Berlin. These strong performances have elevated Kompany’s status and reinforced the belief that he is on track to become one of Europe’s most influential coaches.
Although Kompany has not publicly made any statement about his long-term plans or whether he would be open to returning to England, he is fully aware that Manchester City consider him a very serious candidate for the job.
The idea of a homecoming—one where he returns not as captain but as the man trusted to guide the club into its next chapter—now feels more realistic than ever. For City, the thought of Kompany leading the team after Guardiola isn’t just an emotional choice; it is a strategic one grounded in football philosophy, leadership, and legacy.
