Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City is becoming a hot topic as his contract approaches its end. After nine years of success with the reigning Premier League champions, there is growing speculation that Guardiola may leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. If this happens, Manchester City will be in the market for a new manager, and the competition for top candidates is heating up.
Manchester City’s Managerial Search
If Guardiola decides to leave, newly-appointed sporting director Hugo Viana would oversee the search for a replacement. According to reports, Ruben Amorim, who currently manages Sporting CP, is considered a top candidate due to his successful tenure in Portugal. However, another name that has emerged is former Real Madrid player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso: A Contender for Both Manchester City and Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso has been making waves as Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, and his growing reputation has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. According to reports from The Athletic, Alonso is one of the names Manchester City is considering to succeed Guardiola if he departs.
This creates a potential clash with Real Madrid, who have reportedly earmarked Alonso as the ideal successor to current head coach Carlo Ancelotti. While Ancelotti is contracted with Los Blancos until 2026, there are rumors that he could step down as early as next summer, opening the door for Alonso to return to the Santiago Bernabeu as head coach.
Real Madrid’s Managerial Concerns
Real Madrid’s interest in Alonso is no secret. The former midfielder, who spent five successful years at the club, is seen as a long-term replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. Despite the Italian’s contract running until 2026, the possibility of him leaving earlier has fueled speculation about Alonso’s potential return.
The challenge for Real Madrid is that Alonso’s future may be out of their control. If Manchester City decides to move quickly in their search for a new manager, they could swoop in and sign Alonso before Real Madrid has the opportunity to appoint him. For now, much depends on when Ancelotti decides to step aside and whether Guardiola leaves Manchester City.
What’s Next for Pep Guardiola?
With his contract expiring, Guardiola has yet to confirm his future plans. While he could extend his stay at Manchester City, rumors persist that the Spanish manager might look for a new challenge after nearly a decade at the Etihad. If he departs, City will be looking for a replacement who can continue the club’s winning culture, making Xabi Alonso a top candidate.
Conclusion
The managerial merry-go-round could get interesting next summer, as both Manchester City and Real Madrid might be in the hunt for a new head coach. Xabi Alonso, with his rising reputation in European football, is a prime candidate for both clubs. Should Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City, Alonso could be one of their main targets, putting him in direct competition with Real Madrid’s plans for their next managerial appointment.
This potential competition creates an intriguing situation for both clubs as they look to secure the next key figure to lead them into the future. As Guardiola’s situation evolves, Real Madrid may need to move quickly if they hope to land Alonso as the successor to Carlo Ancelotti.
