Man City targeting Xabi Alonso as he prepares for move months after Liverpool snub
Xabi Alonso turned down the chance to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer when former club Liverpool were looking to replace Jurgen Klopp, having just won the Bundesliga title
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorManchester City are lining up Xabi Alonso to be their next manager if Pep Guardiola rejects a new contract - but they've got competition.
Alonso, 42, has built up a stellar reputation in charge of German side Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga title while going unbeaten last season. The Spaniard's record-breaking first full season with Leverkusen made him the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at former club Liverpool.
But Alonso snubbed the chance to return to Anfield, opting to stay at Leverkusen for at least one more season. The 2024-25 campaign is expected to be his last, however, as Sky Germany report that chiefs at the Bay Arena are preparing for his departure next summer.
That's because Premier League champions City are firmly interested alongside current kings of Europe and Spain Real Madrid, who Alonso left Liverpool for in 2009. City are being forced to assess potential candidates as Guardiola's contract expires at the end of this season.
Liverpool won't be in the race after hiring Arne Slot but Madrid could opt to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti and put themselves in the market for a new boss next summer. The legendary manager signed a new contract until 2026 earlier this year but Real are known for being ruthless and could sense an opportunity with Alonso which is too good to turn down.
It's added that Leverkusen are drawing up a list of candidates to replace the 42-year-old, including Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner. Hoeness' Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga last season ahead of Bayern Munich, 12 months after surviving the relegation play-offs.
Alonso's Leverkusen have this term won five of their last seven matches since losing to RB Leipzig in August, a defeat which ended their unbeaten streak after 35 league games without a loss. His sensational start to life as a manager has earned him admirers at City, who've appointed Sporting Lisbon chief Hugo Viana as their new sporting director.
Get involved! Where should Xabi Alonso go - Manchester City or Real Madrid? Tell us your pick in the comments section.
Having been in charge since 2016, Guardiola is yet made a decision on his future. Speaking in July, the former Barcelona boss said: "Nine years in the same club today is an eternity. So I want to be sure that it's the right decision, not just for me but the club and the players - they run like they did for eight years.
"It doesn't matter the competition, the tournament, this is what I have to see. I am sure eight more years I won't stay! It's good to refresh, for players and managers. At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now."
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