Guardiola to Liverpool? Pennant Backs Pep Switch as City Scrambles to Keep Him

The rumour mill is in overdrive at Anfield, with one ex-Red suggesting a blockbuster managerial swap that would send shockwaves through English football.

Pep Guardiola's impending exit from Manchester City has sparked calls for Liverpool to make a move, with Jermaine Pennant throwing his weight behind the idea of bringing the Etihad boss to Merseyside to replace the under-fire Arne Slot.

Word emerged earlier in the week that Guardiola will depart City when his ten-year tenure concludes this season, with Enzo Maresca lined up as his successor. Guardiola is reportedly planning to step away from management entirely once he leaves the Etihad.

Yet Pennant, speaking on talkSPORT, reckons the Spanish tactician would be daft to turn down the Liverpool job. "Of course, who wouldn't?" the former winger responded when asked if Guardiola would fancy the move. "Every team on the planet would like Pep as their manager."

Brushing aside concerns about Guardiola's decade-long association with City, Pennant doubled down: "Couldn't care less. If you're going come over here, play attractive football – as you do, win. Yeah, come here mate. Open arms pal, come on!"

The ex-Liverpool man believes the Anfield atmosphere alone would be a draw. "He'd love to manage Liverpool," Pennant insisted. "Look at the Kop when you walk out. 100%. The atmosphere – he'd love to play in that."

Slot, meanwhile, continues to face mounting pressure at the club after Liverpool's performances have deteriorated markedly since clinching their 20th Premier League title last season. The fanbase has largely turned against the Dutch manager.

Guardiola has yet to formally announce his departure from City, though he hinted after Tuesday's stalemate with Bournemouth that he would address his future with the club's hierarchy imminently.

Behind the scenes, City's owners have reportedly thrown everything at keeping their prized asset on board. According to an insider's account, the club held high-stakes emergency talks with Guardiola this morning, desperately attempting to persuade him to commit to another campaign. The mood was described as intense, with City scrambling after Guardiola dropped his bombshell desire to leave just days earlier.

A statement clarifying the situation is expected within 48 hours, though the outlook remains bleak for those hoping for a U-turn. Unless something extraordinary transpires, Guardiola appears destined for the exit.