As uncertainty looms over **Pep Guardiola’s** future at **Manchester City**, speculation is mounting about who could succeed the legendary coach if he decides to depart at the end of the current season. Guardiola, who has been the driving force behind City’s domestic and international dominance since joining the club in 2016, has yet to commit to a contract extension. If he chooses not to renew his deal, the reigning **Premier League** champions could face a significant managerial change, and one name that has emerged as a strong contender to replace him is **Xabi Alonso**, the current head coach of **Bayer Leverkusen**.
At 42 years old, Alonso is quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young managers. His impressive tenure at Leverkusen, where he has implemented a dynamic and attacking style of play, has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs. In the **2023/24 season**, Alonso led Leverkusen to an almost unprecedented campaign, coming within a whisker of an unbeaten domestic treble. The Bundesliga outfit went unbeaten throughout the domestic season, capturing the attention of football fans and pundits alike, while Alonso’s tactical acumen and leadership qualities were widely praised.
Alonso’s achievements in Germany have made him a hot commodity in the managerial market, with both his former clubs, **Liverpool** and **Real Madrid**, reportedly eyeing him as a potential future manager. However, according to recent reports, Manchester City might soon join the queue of clubs interested in securing his services if Guardiola opts to leave. The **Daily Mail** has suggested that City’s hierarchy sees Alonso as an ideal replacement, given his footballing philosophy and the success he has enjoyed so far in his managerial career.
In the current **2024/25 season**, Alonso’s Leverkusen team continues to perform at a high level, with three wins, two draws, and just one loss in the Bundesliga. Additionally, his side has been impressive in the **Champions League**, winning both of their opening group stage matches without conceding a goal. This kind of form only strengthens his credentials, as he continues to prove that last season’s success was no fluke. Alonso’s ability to adapt his tactics and maintain consistency at the top level has caught the attention of many, and his profile as a manager is growing rapidly.
For Manchester City, Alonso could represent the kind of continuity that the club craves in the post-Guardiola era. While Guardiola’s tactical genius and attention to detail have defined City’s style of play over the past several seasons, Alonso’s approach shares certain similarities. Known for his expansive, possession-based football and his ability to get the best out of creative players, Alonso’s philosophy mirrors the kind of attacking, high-tempo football that City has become synonymous with under Guardiola. This could make the transition smoother for a squad that has been meticulously shaped to play Guardiola’s brand of football.
Alonso, like Guardiola, comes from the **Barcelona** school of thought, having played under managers such as **Rafael Benítez**, **Jose Mourinho**, and **Carlo Ancelotti** during his illustrious playing career. His understanding of high-pressing, quick transitions, and fluid attacking movement reflects the modern game’s tactical evolution, and his ability to transmit these ideas to his players has been key to his early success in management. Manchester City would likely view Alonso’s tactical vision as complementary to the footballing principles that have brought them sustained success under Guardiola.
However, there are potential obstacles to City securing Alonso’s signature. The club is currently facing several off-field challenges, including a number of **outstanding charges** related to alleged financial rule breaches. If City were found guilty, they could face severe punishments, ranging from hefty fines to points deductions, and even potential expulsion from European competitions. Such sanctions could lead to an exodus of top players and make the club a less attractive destination for high-profile managers like Alonso. It remains unclear whether the legal proceedings will be resolved by the time City is ready to make a decision on Guardiola’s future, but the uncertainty surrounding the charges adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Despite these potential challenges, Manchester City is unlikely to sit idly by. The club’s hierarchy, known for its ambition and strategic planning, will be eager to maintain their winning trajectory both on and off the pitch. Whether Guardiola chooses to stay or not, the club’s leadership will likely have a contingency plan in place to ensure that they remain competitive at the highest level. If that plan includes Xabi Alonso, they would be betting on a manager who has demonstrated that he can compete with the best while also building teams that play an attractive and effective style of football.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Guardiola. After eight years at Manchester City, he may feel that his work is done and that it’s time to pass the baton. If that happens, Alonso could be the ideal candidate to usher in a new era at the Etihad. The former **Spain** and **Liverpool** midfielder has the pedigree, the tactical nous, and the charisma to manage one of the world’s biggest clubs, and his appointment would signal a new chapter for Manchester City as they continue their quest for domestic and European dominance.
Time will tell whether Alonso becomes the next man to sit in the Etihad Stadium dugout, but one thing is certain—Manchester City will not be short of options should Guardiola decide to step away. Whether Alonso or another rising managerial star takes the reins, the club’s future remains as intriguing as ever.