Bayer Leverkusen 'bracing themselves' for Xabi Alonso exit amid Man City links

Guardiola has entered the final year of his Man City contract, leading to significant speculation about his future with the Premier League champions.

The Man City boss recently confirmed that he is yet to decide whether to stay put or leave when his contract expires next summer.

The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola's future has led to rumours about who Man City could target as a potential replacement.

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has been linked due to his relationship with Man City's new director of football Hugo Viana, who will leave the Portuguese giants to take up the position ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Leverkusen bracing themselves for Alonso departure

Alonso has also been mentioned as a potential candidate to succeed Guardiola, having enjoyed significant success during his time with Leverkusen.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leverkusen are already preparing themselves for Alonso's departure at the end of the season.

The report claims that Real Madrid also view their former player as a possible contender to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

While Alonso remains under contract until the summer of 2026, the German champions are already scouring the managerial landscape for possible replacements.

Leverkusen have identified Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant coach Sandro Wagner as candidates.

Why is Alonso generating significant interest?

Alonso may only be in his second job in management, but he has already developed a reputation as one of Europe's best managers.

The 42-year-old took over a Leverkusen side languishing in the relegation zone and led them to a sixth-place finish in the 2022-23 season.

Alonso built on that groundwork for an unforgettable 2023-24 campaign, leading his side to an unbeaten domestic season.

As a result, the German club clinched their maiden Bundesliga title as well as their first DFB-Pokal in 31 years.

Alonso also led Leverkusen to the Europa League final where they fell short with a 3-0 defeat to Italian side Atalanta.

Die Werkself have also made an encouraging start to the 2024-25 season, clinching the German Super Cup, winning both of their Champions League games and losing just one of their seven Bundesliga matches.