Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly on Manchester City‘s shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola in 18 months’ time, if the Spaniard leaves the club.
That is according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, who says that Rodgers would reject any interest from Newcastle United in his services.
The Magpies were taken over by an investment group led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) last Thursday.
The new owners have not made a decision on the identity of the club’s manager going forward. It was reported by The Telegraph that current boss Steve Bruce had expected to be sacked on Monday, but as of Thursday afternoon, he remains in charge of the Magpies.
However, if that were to change, Foxes boss Rodgers has been linked with taking over.
According to Oddschecker, he is 12/1 third favourite to be appointed to the role, although his odds have drifted over recent hours.
But the Mail claims that City are looking ahead to Guardiola’s potential departure from the Etihad in the summer of 2023 – the date when his current contract at the club expires – and that the Northern Irishman would be in the frame to replace him if such a scenario was to occur.
Brendan Rodgers – managerial timeline
If Rodgers did take charge at City, they would be the third Premier League-winning his side he has managed throughout his career. He has already managed Liverpool and Leicester.
He began his management career in 2004, appointed as youth manager at Chelsea by Jose Mourinho.
Rodgers became youth manager in 2006. He accepted an offer to become the new manager of Watford in 2008.
A year later, he moved to fellow Championship side Reading. The Royals were the team he played for before a genetic knee condition forced him to retire aged 20.
He would go on to leave Reading by mutual consent at the end of 2009 after just six months in the role. Swansea City then confirmed his appointment as manager in July 2010.
In his first full season with the Swans, he guided the club to the play-offs. They went on to earn promotion to the top flight of English football for the first time in their history.
After a strong first season in the top flight with Swansea, Liverpool then came calling in 2012. After a seventh-placed finish in 2012/13, Rodgers guided the Reds to a title-winning position by mid-April of the next season.
However, they would go on to finish second to City after losing 2-0 to Chelsea and drawing 3-3 at Crystal Palace.
After a poor start to the 2015/16 season, Rodgers were sacked, and he moved to Celtic.
Following a haul of eight trophies in two-and-a-half seasons, the Northern Irishman left the then Scottish champions to join Leicester. So far with the Foxes, he has won the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2021.
In addition, Rodgers has guided the club to Europa League qualification in consecutive seasons.
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