The future of Real Madrid lies with Xabi Alonso. With the Spanish coach confirming his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, he seems increasingly close to Santiago Bernabéu, although it has not yet been made official. The departure of Carlo Ancelotti is also not yet official, although he did give a nod to the Tolosa native at a press conference, assuring him that the doors of the white team are open to him.
Xabi Alonso’s project at Real Madrid has been rumored and taking shape for months. The coach’s arrival is exciting, and big changes are expected both tactically and in terms of the squad. The Spanish coach must make decisions regarding both departures and signings. In this regard, he has reportedly made several requests to the club in order to improve the squad.
Xabi Alonso’s wishes
The coach has a clear idea of the team he wants Real Madrid to be. In this regard, the club has conveyed its wishes for the transfer market to the coach to consult his opinion. At the Santiago Bernabéu, they want a left back, a center back, and a central midfielder.
With this list of tasks, the coach has got down to work and has several names in mind. Several of them are currently under his command at Bayer Leverkusen. As for the center-back position, the coach is clear that Jonathan Tah would be the right man for Real Madrid due to his characteristics. In addition, his contract is expiring and he would arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu on a free transfer.
For the left-back position, it has been said on several occasions that there are two names the coach is considering for this position: Piero Hincapíe and Grimaldo. The player’s transfer is affordable for the Whites with a clause that would be around $45 million. He also offers the versatility of being able to play as a center back and on the wing. On the other hand, Grimaldo has established himself as one of the best left backs in Europe. With Fran García and Ferland Mendy far from the required level, his signing seems essential.
As for the wide midfield, Xabi Alonso had two candidates in mind: Zubimendi and Wirtz. The Real Sociedad player has been on the Whites’ agenda for months as he is liked and considered a good option to be the new Kroos. The Txuriurdin has a €60 million release clause. The German player would be more expensive to sign as he has a contract with Bayer, who would not let him leave for less than €100 million.
Two signings that are becoming complicated
These last two wishes of Xabi Alonso seem to have become the first stumbling blocks on his path as Real Madrid coach. Wirtz seems set for Munich, while Zubimendi is headed to London, to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
Nothing is set in stone, but these deals are the preference of the two players, who are moving away from Real Madrid, which has taken too long to make a move. The Whites were counting on the influence of Xabi Alonso in the decision of his current player at Bayer and of Martín Zubimendi, whom he already coached in Segunda B with the Txuriurdin reserve team.
If the fate of both players is sealed, Real Madrid will have to look elsewhere to find a midfielder who can fill the void left this summer by Toni Kroos’ departure from the team. The team is looking for a new compass and will not give up.