Manchester City fans are abuzz with speculation following a surprising report from Spain regarding Pep Guardiola’s potential successor. As rumors swirl about Guardiola’s future at the club, fans are turning their attention to Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Xabi Alonso, a former standout midfielder with experience at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team.
The speculation was triggered by a report from *Eurosport Spain*, which claims that Alonso is preparing to leave his position as Leverkusen’s head coach at the conclusion of the current Bundesliga season. This news has fueled discussions over the possibility of Alonso taking the reins at Manchester City, especially as Guardiola’s future with the club remains uncertain. The celebrated Spanish manager, who has transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant footballing forces since his arrival in 2016, is in the final year of his contract. His next steps are a topic of intense interest both within and beyond the Premier League.
Under Guardiola’s stewardship, Manchester City have reached unprecedented heights, capturing six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and finally breaking their Champions League drought. Yet despite their success, the possibility of Guardiola departing after the 2024/25 campaign has been a recurring narrative. This uncertainty has been compounded by the club’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League over 115 charges related to alleged breaches of financial regulations, with a resolution anticipated in early 2025. While Guardiola has publicly voiced support for City throughout this period, many believe he may seek a new challenge, leaving City with the daunting task of identifying a worthy successor.
Enter Xabi Alonso. The 42-year-old Spaniard has rapidly built a reputation as a promising manager in Europe. Last season, he led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever unbeaten Bundesliga title, an extraordinary accomplishment for the club. While his side fell just short of European glory, losing to Atalanta in the Europa League final, Alonso’s tactical acumen, leadership, and ability to galvanize his squad have not gone unnoticed. This season, however, has been more challenging, with Leverkusen currently in fourth place and nine points adrift of Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, his overall body of work has impressed observers and attracted interest from top clubs across Europe.
According to the *Eurosport Spain* report, Alonso and one of his star players, defender Alejandro Grimaldo, are expected to leave Leverkusen after this season. Alonso has reportedly already informed some of his squad members of his impending departure. While Real Madrid is cited as a strong contender for Alonso’s services given Carlo Ancelotti’s struggles this season, another intriguing possibility has emerged in the form of Manchester City.
For many City fans, Alonso represents a natural successor to Guardiola. He possesses an in-depth understanding of Guardiola’s tactical philosophies, having played under him at Bayern Munich and coming from the same school of footballing thought inspired by Johan Cruyff and honed at Barcelona. Alonso’s approach as a manager mirrors Guardiola’s emphasis on possession, fluid attacking play, and adaptability, making him a potentially seamless fit for the role at the Etihad.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with fan speculation. On X (formerly Twitter), City supporters wasted no time in connecting the dots. “Is this the Pep replacement?” one fan asked, while another declared, “Xabi Alonso is going to City and has already agreed to a representative with City.” A third simply wrote, “Man City bound.” While these reactions remain speculative, they highlight the excitement and intrigue surrounding the possibility of Alonso joining the club.
Manchester City’s leadership will have to tread carefully as they consider their options for the future. Replacing Guardiola, a manager of his caliber and influence, is no easy task. He has redefined City’s style of play, introduced a winning mentality, and raised expectations to unparalleled levels. Whoever follows him will need to possess not only tactical intelligence and a strong personality but also the ability to manage one of the most star-studded squads in Europe.
Alonso’s potential candidacy may appeal to City for reasons beyond his tactical skillset. As a former player with a decorated career in multiple leagues, he commands respect and has proven capable of transitioning into management with success. Moreover, his relatively young managerial age aligns with the club’s long-term project goals. However, Real Madrid’s reported interest poses a significant challenge. As one of his former clubs, the Spanish giants could offer Alonso the opportunity to return home and lead a team of global superstars, a proposition many managers find hard to resist.
Meanwhile, there is also speculation linking Alonso with Real Sociedad, another of his former clubs. Sociedad, known for their commitment to developing young talent and playing an attractive brand of football, would offer Alonso a familiar environment to continue his managerial growth.
Ultimately, the decision on Guardiola’s future will be crucial for Manchester City’s direction in the years to come. Whether or not Xabi Alonso becomes his successor remains uncertain, but the discussion underscores the club’s need to prepare for life after Pep. City fans can only watch and wait, hoping that the club’s next chapter, with or without Guardiola, continues to build on the remarkable success they have enjoyed in recent years. Whether Alonso steps into that role remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the anticipation and speculation surrounding City’s managerial future will not fade anytime soon.