Man City is considering Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola if he departs, but they will have to compete with Real Madrid for him, according to reports.

Guardiola’s Future Uncertain as City Eye Alonso

In a rather coy response, Pep Guardiola has left Manchester City fans pondering his future, stating, “What is going to happen is going to happen.” The uncertainty surrounding the City manager’s tenure has sparked speculation about potential successors, with reports suggesting that the club is eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso.

Alonso, 42, enjoyed a stellar season last year, guiding Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title. Despite being heavily linked with a return to Liverpool, he opted to remain in Germany for at least another season. However, with Guardiola’s contract set to expire at the end of this campaign, City are reportedly preparing for life after the Catalan. Real Madrid is also keen on the former Liverpool midfielder as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti.

According to *The Mirror*, Alonso turned down the chance to return to Anfield, choosing instead to continue his project at Leverkusen. However, the 2024-25 season is expected to be his last at the Bay Arena, as club officials are already bracing for his departure. City’s interest is compounded by the fact that Real Madrid, who Alonso left Liverpool for back in 2009, may also be looking to make a managerial change.

Liverpool’s recent appointment of Arne Slot means they are out of the running for Alonso, but Madrid’s situation remains fluid. Ancelotti signed a new contract until 2026 earlier this year, yet the club’s ruthless nature could see them pursue Alonso if the opportunity arises.

Lopetegui Under Pressure at West Ham

Meanwhile, at West Ham, Julen Lopetegui’s position appears precarious following a dismal start to the season that has left the Hammers languishing in 15th place in the Premier League. With just two wins and two draws from their opening eight matches, the manner of their defeats, particularly a heavy 4-1 loss to Tottenham, has raised alarm bells among supporters.

*The Guardian* reports that the club’s board is not known for making hasty decisions, and there is an understanding that Lopetegui is trying to implement a new style of play while integrating ten summer signings. However, the pressure is mounting ahead of a crucial home fixture against Manchester United this Sunday, with his future potentially under review if results do not improve before Christmas.

The former Wolves manager is in dire need of a turnaround, especially with upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest and Everton following the clash with United. Compounding his woes, star player Mohammed Kudus may face a lengthy ban after receiving a red card for violent conduct against Spurs, leaving the team further depleted.

Premier League Clubs to Meet Amid Legal Turmoil

In off-pitch developments, Manchester City will convene with fellow Premier League clubs at an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the ramifications of their recent arbitration ruling. *The Telegraph* reports that the meeting was initially delayed as clubs sought advice on shareholder loan regulations.

Tensions are high in boardrooms across the league, particularly after City’s legal chief urged clubs to avoid a “knee-jerk reaction” that could lead to further legal complications. The Premier League is now prepared to discuss tightening its rules, particularly in light of City’s claims that the league’s associated-party transaction (APT) rules are discriminatory.

The most significant concern for City’s rivals is the ruling that loans from club shareholders should undergo fair market tests within the APT framework, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the financial landscape of the league.

La Liga’s Ambitious Plans for Miami

In a bold move beyond European shores, La Liga is reportedly planning to stage a match in the United States between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The *Daily Mail* has revealed that the fixture is set for December 22 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, pending approval from FIFA, UEFA, and the Spanish FA.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has long expressed a desire to host a league match in the US, although the Spanish FA has historically opposed such initiatives. Previous attempts in 2019 to play fixtures on American soil were thwarted, but this latest proposal could mark a significant milestone for Spanish football if it comes to fruition.