Liverpool could face fight for Xabi Alonso as new Premier League club enters race

Xabi Alonso is set to become a candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola should he leave Manchester City, talkSPORT understands.

Guardiola could leave the Premier League giants at the end of this season and cap off a glittering decade of success as manager.

Getty

He has won six Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining in 2016, and his current contract runs until 2027.

However, there are doubts over his long-term future at City and the club are set to begin preparing for life without the 55-year-old.

Alonso is likely to be considered as his potential replacement after his short spell at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard surprisingly left Los Blancos via mutual consent last month despite winning 24 of his 34 matches at the helm.

His exit was announced less than 24 hours after Madrid were beaten 3-2 by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Alonso was heavily linked with his fellow former club Liverpool in the summer of 2024 after Jurgen Klopp decided to leave Anfield.

Arne Slot was eventually hired as their new head coach, although the Dutchman has endured a difficult second season at the Reds.

Just months after winning the Premier League, Liverpool are sixth and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Slot has faced increased pressure in the hotseat and club officials could make a decision over his position at the end of the season.

Alonso would surely come into consideration to replace him, but City may arrive as stiff competition for his services.

Getty

Getty

City slip in title race

After Arsenal lost 3-2 to Manchester United towards the end of January, City found themselves just four points behind the leaders.

A trip to the out-of-sorts Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday offered a chance to sustain the pressure on the Gunners.

However, they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 and are now six points off the summit.

City have won only one of their last six Premier League fixtures and will once again be hoping for another slip-up from Arsenal.

The two sides are currently scheduled to meet at the Etihad Stadium for their second league clash on April 18.

It’s a match that could decide this season’s champions, with City in search of a seventh and potentially final title under Guardiola.