Revealed: The mammoth fee Man City have agreed to pay Chelsea for Enzo Maresca

It comes after The Blues reportedly considered legal action against Man City over Maresca's appointment

Despite the fact that Guardiola departed the Etihad weeks ago, it took until Monday (29 June) for an official announcement of Maresca's appointment, to the surprise of supporters, considering the fact that the ex-Leicester City head coach had been reported to have agreed to take over well before Pep even announced his plans to leave.

The reason for that delay, appears to have come down to reported legal complaints from Maresca's former employers Chelsea.

As reported in The Telegraph at the time, Chelsea alleged that the Italian may have been in negotiations with the Citizens while still employed at Stamford Bridge, something that would have been in breach of his contract.

While there was some talk of potential legal action, it appears as though the two clubs have reached an agreement over compensation.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, a financial settlement in the region of €20 million has been reached between the two clubs.

Chelsea's "club statement" on Enzo Maresca's appointment:

"Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters.

"A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.

"Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026.

"In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

"It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

"In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

"No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.

"In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation.

"A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation.

"Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso, we have a Manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity.

"He has all the attributes to deliver the success the Club’s supporters deserve and expect."