From Guardiola to Motta: Top football managers available this summer
August 7, 2026 8:52 am
Didier Deschamps, Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe
Photo: Planet Football
Several of football’s most accomplished coaches are reportedly available for new opportunities this summer, with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola topping a list of high-profile names expected to attract interest from clubs and national teams.
Guardiola, regarded as one of the most successful managers of the modern era, leads the rankings after ending his trophy-laden spell at Manchester City. While the Spaniard is expected to take time away from management, he has already been linked with several high-profile vacancies across Europe and in international football.
Former Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte is ranked second. The Italian, renowned for delivering immediate success wherever he has managed, remains one of the most sought-after coaches despite speculation linking him with a return to international management.
Didier Deschamps, who recently concluded his long tenure as France head coach, is third on the list. The World Cup-winning manager is expected to be a strong contender for any major coaching role should he decide to return to club football.
Dutch coach Arne Slot occupies fourth place, while former Flamengo manager Filipe Luis completes the top five after an impressive start to his coaching career that included multiple domestic and continental titles in Brazil.
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is ranked sixth despite mixed fortunes in recent international tournaments. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is seventh after stepping away from the Premier League club, with ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez eighth as he continues to weigh up his next move.
Former Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ninth, while Thiago Motta rounds off the top 10. Although his spell at Juventus ended disappointingly, the Italian is still regarded as one of Europe’s promising young coaches following his impressive work at Bologna.
With several major clubs expected to make managerial changes in the coming months, the availability of such experienced and accomplished coaches is likely to fuel speculation throughout the transfer window and beyond.
According to Planet Football on Friday, these are the 10 coaches listed as available this summer:
Pep Guardiola
Antonio Conte
Didier Deschamps
Arne Slot
Filipe Luís
Julian Nagelsmann
Eddie Howe
Xavi Hernández
Thomas Frank
Thiago Motta
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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