Manchester, 18 August 2054 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through English football, Nicholas Dimario has left Reading to take the managerial reins at Manchester City, signing a deal that marks one of the most controversial switches of the season.
The 42-year-old Romanian tactician joins City after an impressive stint at Reading, where he helped the Royals overachieve on limited resources and build a resilient, possession-based style. City have reportedly paid £6.75 million in compensation to secure Dimario’s services following the departure of interim boss Joe Bryan.
Dimario’s reputation has steadily risen in recent years after successful spells with both Everton and Reading, highlighted by his FA Cup giant-killing of Plymouth in 2053. However, the move to a divisional rival has already raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, particularly given Reading’s strong start to the new Premier League campaign.
City’s hierarchy are believed to have been impressed by Dimario’s tactical adaptability and his record of overhauling underperforming squads. The new boss will now face the formidable task of restoring the club to the upper reaches of the table, following a disappointing start that has seen them winless in their opening two fixtures.
“It’s an honour to take charge of a club with such history and ambition,” Dimario said in a brief statement via the club’s official channels. “The objective is clear – we must return Manchester City to where it belongs.”
Reading confirmed Dimario’s departure late on Friday evening, thanking him for his contribution while announcing that assistant manager Joe Bryan will resume his previous role after temporarily overseeing the first team. The Berkshire club are expected to begin their search for a new head coach immediately.
Dimario’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium will no doubt intensify scrutiny on City’s early-season form, but the club will hope the Romanian’s calculated methods can steady the ship and reignite their ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
The Dimario Legacy: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Footballing royalty runs deep in the Dimario family. Nicholas is the son of Calin Dimario, the legendary Chelsea manager who has led the club to unparalleled success since 2022. Nicholas’ move to Manchester City therefore adds a fascinating subtext to this season – father and son managing rival Premier League sides for the first time.
Born in Cluj-Napoca on 21 January 2012, Nicholas Dimario carved out an illustrious 24-year playing career before moving into management. A product of Chelsea’s academy, he broke into the first team in 2034 and went on to make 290 league appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he also enjoyed loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Derby County, OGC Nice, Stade Rennais, and Bayern Munich, before becoming a mainstay in the Chelsea side that dominated Europe for over a decade.
Dimario’s honours as a player include 10 Premier League titles (2035–2046), 10 Carabao Cups, 10 Community Shields, 8 FA Cups, and 10 UEFA Champions League triumphs. He also lifted the UEFA Super Cup four times and won both the FIFA Club World Cup (2045) and the World Cup (2042) with Romania. He retired in 2048 after a final spell with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, having made over 500 career appearances and scored 19 goals.
Internationally, Dimario represented Romania 176 times, scoring 18 goals, and was twice named Romanian Young Player of the Year. His consistency and leadership earned him the UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season third place on two occasions and a German Players’ Newcomer of the Year award during his brief spell in the Bundesliga.
Following his retirement, Dimario returned to Stamford Bridge to manage the Chelsea Under-18s from 2050 to 2052 before stepping up to senior management. After brief spells at Everton and Reading, he now finds himself leading one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs – just as his father continues to command Chelsea’s empire.
It is a story that feels destined for the ages: Calin versus Nicholas. Father versus son. Stamford Bridge versus the Etihad. English football’s next great rivalry may not just be fought on the pitch – but across a family dinner table.
Nicholas Dimario unveiled as Manchester City manager, succeeding Joe Bryan after leaving Reading.