The future of Pep Guardiola is still very much up in the air at Manchester City.
The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of the season but there have been hints that he could be sticking around.
It was reported recently that Guardiola extending by one year at Man City is the most likely scenario, which would take his tenure to 10 years at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola has hinted a few times publicly that he intends to extend his stay.
But it’s not out of the question that Guardiola could call it a day at the end of his current deal. It’s previously been claimed City would like to know his decision by Christmas.
One man who’s been tipped as a potential successor is Xabi Alonso, who’s been the subject of an interesting claim today.
Xabi Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season
It has been boldly claimed today by Eurosport Spain that Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
This is despite the fact he signed a new contract with the club back in August until the summer of 2026.
Alonso has been in charge of the Bundesliga outfit since October 2022 and has completely transformed their fortunes since he came in.
Alonso delivered the league title last season and also the DfB-Pokal. He was one game away from completing the Treble and going unbeaten in all competitions, but lost the Europa League final to Atalanta.
Eurosport Spain claim Alonso has already forewarned his players of his decision.
The report then goes on to link him strongly to his former club Real Madrid, who have made a bit of a stuttering start to the new season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso development could Man City on red alert
If there is any truth in this claim that Alonso will leave Leverkusen at the end of the current season, then it will be truly fascinating to see how Manchester City will react.
There is still uncertainty over Guardiola’s future, and as things currently stand, he will be leaving next summer.
It was recently, and boldly, claimed that not all City executives were on board with Guardiola extending by a year.
| Xabi Alonso record at Bayer Leverkusen |
| Games managed – 107 |
| Wins – 69 |
| Draws – 25 |
| Losses – 13 |
| Points per match – 2.17 |
| Trophies won – 3 |
And if there is any truth in that, then this Alonso news is bound to place them on red alert.
It was actually claimed in the summer that the Man City board unanimously agree Alonso should succeed Guardiola. Ruben Amorim was briefly touted before he went to Manchester United, and the speculation about Alonso to City will likely now pick up again following this claim.
He is arguably the best young manager in football, and it’s possible City may not want to pass up the opportunity if he does indeed become available – especially if Real Madrid also want him.
