Key Takeaways:
- Italian media have suggested Cesc Fabregas may succeed Hansi Flick at Barcelona or Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
- Fabregas led Como to promotion in 2023-24 and has since steered the club to fifth place in Serie A, just one point ahead of Juventus
- Bayer Leverkusen and Inter recently explored appointing Fabregas, but reports indicate he is unlikely to coach another Serie A side after Como
Fabregas Emerging as Elite Managerial Prospect
Cesc Fabregas, the former midfielder for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising coaches in European football. After taking charge at Como, he played a key role in the club’s promotion from Serie B during the 2023-24 campaign, operating at the time as assistant manager due to pending UEFA coaching qualifications.
#Como, il gran rifiuto di #Fabregas all'#Inter: futuro a #Barcellona o al #ManchesterCity [Corriere della Sera] #InterComo https://t.co/sbXF739f4k pic.twitter.com/1oDvPeKpvx
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) December 5, 2025
Impressive Progress with Como in Serie A
Since guiding Como to Italy’s top flight, Fabregas has overseen a notable turnaround. Under his leadership, the team secured a top 10 finish in their first Serie A season. Currently, Como find themselves in fifth position, just four points from the summit, three points shy of third place, and holding a narrow one-point advantage over Juventus. The club is mounting a strong challenge for a European qualification spot in the 2025-26 season, reflecting Fabregas’s growing managerial credentials.
| Season | Club | Role | League Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Como | Assistant Manager | Promoted from Serie B |
| 2025-26 | Como | Head Coach | 5th (current) |
Links to Major Jobs and Influential Mentors
Fabregas’s coaching journey is further supported by his distinguished playing career under legendary managers such as Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. Such a background has made him an appealing candidate for clubs seeking visionary leadership.
There has already been strong interest in the 38-year-old. Bayer Leverkusen pursued him seriously as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso earlier this summer, while Inter Milan also considered him as a successor to Simone Inzaghi. Despite these approaches, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports that Fabregas is increasingly seen as unlikely to manage another Serie A side immediately after his stint with Como.
Speculation Over Next Move: Barcelona or Manchester City?
According to reports from Italy, the next step for Fabregas could be among the most prestigious in world football: potentially replacing either Hansi Flick at Barcelona or Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. As his coaching career accelerates, expectations are high for Fabregas to assume one of these high-profile roles in the near future.
