Xabi Alonso emerges as shock candidate to join rival of former club

British media are fueling speculation that Xabi Alonso could be in line to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach surprisingly tipped for a return to the Premier League.

The idea gaining traction in England is not a reunion with Liverpool, where Alonso spent five seasons as a player, but a move to the Etihad Stadium if Guardiola’s long reign comes to an end.

Alonso barely had time to step away from Real Madrid before his name began circulating as a candidate for top jobs. Liverpool were the first club linked with him, and talks at Anfield could accelerate if Arne Slot fails to guide the Reds into the Champions League. Now, Manchester City have joined the growing list of potential destinations for the ex-midfielder.

Guardiola’s City future under scrutiny

Guardiola signed a contract extension in 2024 that runs through 2027, but after nearly a decade in England, maintaining City’s grip on the Premier League title race has become increasingly difficult.

Last season, Liverpool edged out City to win the league, and this year Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have taken control of the title race. Six points separate the two clubs after City’s draw away at Tottenham on Sunday, a result that intensified debate around the club’s long-term future.

This season could ultimately be Guardiola’s last in Manchester. As a result, speculation about his successor has been building for months, with three names consistently mentioned inside and outside the Etihad.

Maresca leads early shortlist

Enzo Maresca is widely seen as the frontrunner. The Italian left Chelsea at the start of 2026 and is viewed internally as the safest option. He knows the club well, having coached City’s reserve team during the 2020-21 season. After a brief spell at Parma, Maresca returned to Manchester as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff in the 2022-23 campaign.

Other contenders to replace Guardiola at City

According to The Telegraph, Alonso is also firmly in the conversation, despite his strong ties to Liverpool. His growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches has made him a serious contender for elite jobs across the continent.

Another popular name among City supporters is Vincent Kompany. The former club captain has impressed in his current role at Bayern Munich, but the Belgian recently signed a contract extension through 2029. A return to Manchester is not expected in the near future.

The third candidate is someone Guardiola knows well: Cesc Fabregas. The former Spain international is earning praise for his work with Como in Italy. Fabregas has deep Premier League experience, having played for Arsenal from 2003 to 2011 and later for Chelsea between 2014 and 2019, a background that only strengthens his profile as a potential successor.