Xabi Alonso ‘expected’ to be on Man City shortlist to replace Guardiola

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·2 February 2026

Xabi Alonso ‘expected’ to be on Man City shortlist to replace Guardiola

Xabi Alonso is reportedly “expected to feature” on a three-man shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola when he eventually leaves Manchester City.

Guardiola’s current contract runs until 2027, but speculation hovers over his future at the club amid an expectation he could leave this summer.

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Alonso is currently available after being sacked by Real Madrid in January following defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final.

Xabi Alonso ‘expected’ to be on Man City shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola

According to The Telegraph, City are expected to draw up a list of potential head coaches to succeed Guardiola that will include Alonso as well as former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas.

As reported at the beginning of January, Maresca spoke with City chiefs on three occasions about the possibility of taking over the job in the future. Those talks contributed to his sacking by the Blues last month.

Fabregas, meanwhile, is earning plaudits for the job he is currently doing in Serie A with Como 1907. The Italian outfit are competition to qualify for European competition as they sit sixth in the league table.

The report adds that City have rubbished claims Guardiola will leave at the end of this season as “pure speculation”.

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