Manchester City bosses will target Xabi Alonso if Pep Guardiola decides to leave the Etihad next summer.
Guardiola’s current deal runs out at the end of this season, and he still needs to decide on his future. The Spaniard travelled to Abu Dhabi during the last international break to speak to his club owners, and he promised them he wouldn’t leave them in the lurch when it comes to announcing his next move.
Pep has shown interest in managing on the international stage and was linked with the England job before the FA appointed Thomas Tuchel last week.
It’s understood chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has identified Alonso as a genuine candidate to replace Guardiola, should he choose to stand down.
Fellow Spaniard Alonso has emerged as one of the brightest young managers in Europe, having led Bayer Leverkusen to a stunning domestic double last season. Leverkusen went the entire Bundesliga season unbeaten and also reached the Europa League final without losing a game.
(Image: PA)
Alonso, 42, was linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss, but decided to remain with Leverkusen instead. He signed a new deal in March which keeps him at the German club until 2026, although Leverkusen are resigned to losing him at the end of this season.
The former midfielder has also been linked to another of his former clubs, Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti is the current boss at the Bernabeu but his contract also ends in 2026 meaning City could face serious competition from Los Blancos for Alonso’s services.
Following in the footsteps of Guardiola will be a huge challenge for whoever is given the task. Since joining City from Bayern Munich in 2016, Guardiola has won a staggering 18 trophies, including a record four straight Premier League titles and the club’s maiden Champions League.
But senior figures at the Etihad hold Alonso in high regard and believe he would be one of the few coaches capable of succeeding Guardiola.