Liverpool fan favourite set to join Premier League rivals Man City in surprising twist

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves across English football, Pep Lijnders is set to join Manchester City’s coaching staff ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to reliable sources including Fabrizio Romano. This unexpected move will see Lijnders link up with Pep Guardiola, arguably one of the most revered tactical masterminds in modern football.

Lijnders’ departure from Red Bull Salzburg at the end of last year left many wondering about his next step. Now, it appears that the former Liverpool assistant coach is preparing to take on a fresh challenge at the Etihad Stadium, adding a fascinating new chapter to his coaching career.

For years, Lijnders was widely recognized as a pivotal figure behind Liverpool’s recent successes. Known as Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man, he played an instrumental role in shaping Liverpool’s tactical approach and was often credited with innovations in training and matchday strategy.

While the exact nature of Lijnders’ role at Manchester City remains under wraps, it is believed that he will assume a senior assistant position. His responsibilities are expected to include helping Guardiola devise match preparations, working closely with players on tactical drills, and contributing to the overall strategic planning of the team.

This move raises eyebrows due to the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City. Lijnders’ intimate knowledge of Liverpool’s playing style, squad strengths, and weaknesses could prove invaluable to City as they look to maintain their domestic dominance and pursue greater European success.

Interestingly, Lijnders had previously expressed a desire to step out as a head coach himself. However, the opportunity to work alongside Guardiola—who has amassed an enviable trophy haul and revolutionized tactical thinking—proved too tempting to pass up.

Adding further intrigue to the Etihad’s backroom reshuffle is the possible arrival of former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure. The Ivorian, who boasts a wealth of coaching experience with clubs like Celtic and Leicester City, is reportedly being considered for a role focusing on player development or defensive coaching.

The addition of Lijnders and potentially Toure represents a significant strengthening of Manchester City’s coaching ranks. Guardiola’s ambition to innovate both on and off the pitch signals a renewed push to keep City at the pinnacle of English and European football.

Toure’s appointment, while yet to be confirmed, would add a layer of Premier League-winning experience to a staff already laden with tactical acumen and developmental expertise. Updates regarding his role are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Off the pitch, Manchester City are also active in the transfer market. Recent reports suggest Guardiola has his eye on Rayan Cherki, the talented Lyon attacking midfielder who has also attracted interest from Manchester United. Cherki’s flair and creativity could be a perfect fit for City’s fluid attacking style.

In related news, Xabi Alonso, now a manager, has publicly withdrawn interest in signing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alonso described the Liverpool star as “not the quality I need” for his team and confirmed the pursuit was officially canceled. Instead, Alonso hinted at another Liverpool player who he believes could be a transformative signing.

This swirling activity between Premier League clubs highlights how rivalries are extending beyond the pitch, with clubs vying not only for players but also for coaching talent and tactical innovation.

For Liverpool fans, losing a key figure like Lijnders to their fiercest rivals is bound to sting. His deep understanding of Klopp’s methods and Liverpool’s squad dynamics may provide City with an edge as the new season approaches.

At the same time, this development underscores the modern realities of football where coaching staff mobility can dramatically influence competitive balance. Guardiola’s staff shake-up illustrates his determination to refresh his team’s approach to maintain their status as one of the world’s elite clubs.

As the 2025/26 season looms, both Liverpool and Manchester City will be closely watched. Lijnders’ integration into City’s coaching setup and the club’s transfer strategies will likely play a pivotal role in how the title race unfolds.

What remains clear is that Premier League rivalries continue to evolve not just through marquee player signings but through high-profile coaching appointments and tactical reinventions.

Fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how Lijnders adapts to his new environment and whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed at Liverpool, now with the pressure of working under Guardiola’s shadow.

This move also sends a clear message that the coaching market is fiercely competitive, with clubs looking to secure the best minds to gain even the slightest advantage in one of football’s most challenging leagues.

As Manchester City finalize their backroom staff and potentially bring in fresh talent like Cherki, the message to their rivals is loud and clear: the Etihad is not resting on its laurels.

For Liverpool, the challenge is twofold — to cope with the loss of a key coaching asset and to continue building a squad and staff capable of challenging City’s dominance on all fronts.

With summer transfer activity and coaching developments unfolding rapidly, the Premier League is set for another thrilling chapter filled with unexpected twists and intense battles both on the pitch and behind the scenes.