Two things seem clear at Real Madrid: the departure of Ancelotti and, consequently, the arrival of Xabi Alonso on the bench; and the more than likely sale or loan of Arda Güler in search of playing time he is not getting at the club. Now it has been revealed that both things could cross paths.
Xabi Alonso has a price
For months, Real Madrid’s target if Carlo Ancelotti left has been Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen. The style proposed by the San Sebastian native seems tailor-made for the Whites, with a vertical and offensive game without sacrificing touch, similar to the way he played when he was a footballer.
Many claim that he has already signed, but the truth is that he has one year left on his contract and will have to be paid for. Real Madrid has been in contact with the Basque coach and has let him know that they are counting on him if Ancelotti does not stay at the club next season. In fact, according to recent reports, the team would be willing to pay for him. There was talk of an offer of €6 million.
However, it will not be so easy to get him out of Bayer Leverkusen. According to the newspaper BILD, there is a verbal agreement between Xabi Alonso and the German club whereby the coach can leave the club before the end of his contract (June 2026) to join a top-flight club.
Arda Güler with girlfriends
The Turkish player is on the radar of several teams ahead of the summer transfer window, and the latest to join the list of suitors is Manchester United, who want to “rescue” the Turkish gem so he can try his luck in the Premier League. The brilliant footballer has made it onto Manchester United’s shopping list. The Red Devils could outline their strategy to tip the balance in their favor for Güler, an attacker who wants to succeed at Real Madrid.
In addition to this new suitor, Arda Güler is being followed by teams such as Arsenal and Liverpool. In recent weeks, there has been talk of Bayern Munich’s interest in the Turkish player, but they would not be the only big European club interested. Arda has also caught the eye of another Champions League team: Aston Villa.
Arda, the key to Xabi Alonso
Arda Güler’s role as compensation for signing Xabi Alonso lies in the Basque coach’s own contract: like Carlo Ancelotti, it expires in the summer of 2026. That is why the occupants of the BayArena’s VIP area are demanding a clause worth ten million euros from the white club, according to SPORT. The club, however, is not willing to pay such a figure for the return of its former player. This is how they came up with the idea of bringing Arda Güler to Bayer Leverkusen to reduce the cost of Xabi Alonso’s arrival, as the German side has shown interest in both the Turkish player and Nico Paz.