Alonso Linked With Liverpool Over Man City Amid Guardiola Uncertainty
Speculation over Pep Guardiola’s long term future at Manchester City has reignited talk of Xabi Alonso, with Liverpool once again emerging in the conversation.
Alonso is currently without a club after being dismissed by Real Madrid last month. The Spaniard has been mentioned as a potential successor should Guardiola step aside at the Etihad Stadium, whether in 2027 when his contract expires or sooner. Recent reports have suggested there is an “extremely strong chance” of Guardiola leaving this year, despite that deal running beyond the current campaign.
City’s hierarchy may be drawing up contingency plans, but they have been warned that Liverpool could have the edge.
Petit Backs Liverpool Over Man City
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Alonso would favour a return to Merseyside over a move to Manchester City if both clubs made their approach.
Speaking to Ignition Casino, Petit said: “If Xabi Alonso has the chance to come back to Liverpool, even if the door is open at Man City, I’m pretty sure he would join Liverpool.
“He has a connection to Liverpool. He’s been a player over there and he won trophies over there. He failed at Real Madrid but that has been the case for many managers over there.
“I think if he has the chance to join the Premier League, Liverpool would be the perfect club for him. It’s like Mikel Arteta’s connection to Arsenal, it would mean he wouldn’t consider joining Manchester City even when Pep Guardiola leaves.”
Alonso’s bond with Liverpool, forged during his time as a player and crowned by Champions League success, continues to resonate. Emotional ties matter in elite football, particularly when two leading Premier League institutions are circling.
Guardiola Future Clouds Man City Plans
Rival Premier League managers and executives believe Guardiola is in his final season in Manchester. The City manager has consistently batted away the noise.
When asked about his future in January, he stated: “I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. It’s 10 years here. I will leave one day, but I have a contract.”
He reinforced that stance soon after, adding: “I have one more year on my contract.
“The question of that is [the same as] one or two months ago, but I will tell you again that it is the same answer.”
City may be planning for life over Guardiola, yet the Spaniard remains publicly committed.
Premier League Move on Alonso Radar
It’s also reported that Alonso would welcome a move to the Premier League, although he is content to wait until the summer before making any decision.
For Liverpool, this situation carries added intrigue. Arne Slot’s title defence has been uneven, fuelling external debate. Any shift over Guardiola at Man City only intensifies scrutiny at Anfield.
Alonso’s name sits prominently in that space between loyalty and ambition. If both Liverpool and Man City were to move, sentiment and history may yet prove decisive.
