Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, Premier League, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Fan Reactions
Manchester City fans believe they've worked out Pep Guardiola's replacement following the release of a bombshell news report in Spain.
Guardiola, 53, is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to commit his future to City.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach has been with City since 2016 and has overseen the most successful period in their history, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League once.
After a fourth consecutive league title win last season, speculation has grown Guardiola could depart at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
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The uncertainty surrounding the club amid the ongoing 115 Premier League charges hearing has further complicated matters, although Guardiola is expected to decide his future before the outcome of that case is confirmed in early 2025.
Now, a shock report in the Spanish media has further increased speculation over Guardiola's future and a potential replacement.
Eurosport Spain claim that Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is set to step down from his role at the end of the current campaign.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win last season and also came close to winning the Europa League, losing in the final to Atalanta.
But he has found things much tougher in the current campaign, with his side currently fourth in the league table – nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
The Spanish report claims both Alonso and defender Alejandro Grimaldo plan to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season. It's also claimed Alonso has already told several players in the dressing room that he plans to depart.
Real Madrid are being touted as a likely destination for the World Cup winner, with the Spanish giants struggling for consistency this season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, another of Alonso's former clubs Real Sociedad are also mentioned as a potential option for the Spaniard.
However, some Manchester City fans believe the report is a sign that Alonso could be making himself available for the Premier League club, should Guardiola decided to step down from his role.
One fan asked on X: "Is this the Pep replacement?"
"Xabi Alonso is going to City and has already agreed to a representative with City," posted another.
While a third simply wrote: "Man City bound."
