Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid is getting closer and closer. First came confirmation that the Spanish coach was leaving Bayer Leverkusen. Following the announcement, Ancelotti opened the doors of the Santiago Bernabéu to him at a press conference. On Monday, Brazil officially announced the appointment of the Italian as coach of the national team, and after the defeat against Barça, everything has precipitated the Tolosa-born coach’s arrival at the Whites earlier than expected, meaning that he will finally be in charge at the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso’s wishes that have fallen by the wayside
His arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu is eagerly awaited, especially as there has been talk that he may not come alone. The coach is coming off a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen, largely due to the great performance of key players under his command. These are players that Xabi Alonso wants at Real Madrid, which is looking to strengthen those positions.
The Spanish coach had several players in mind, but things seem to have become complicated. In recent weeks, there has been talk of a double request from Xabi Alonso for the midfield: Zubimendi and Wirtz. The coach has polished and seen Wirtz grow under his command and wanted him at the Bernabéu. The problem is his price and the competition. The player has a contract with his current team until June 2027, and sources in Germany suggest that there will be no bidding because the player is very clear about where he wants to be next season.
According to information from ‘BILD’ in Germany, the German international “has told Bayer coach Xabi Alonso that he does not want to go to Real Madrid or Manchester City, only to Bayern Munich.”
The other player Xabi wants, whom he knows from his time at Real Sociedad B, is Martín Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad player has been linked with Real Madrid in recent months, but everything points to him heading to London. Arsenal has won the race and will pay Real Sociedad the €60 million release clause to sign the midfielder, who will leave LaLiga.
Another bump in the road
These are two tough blows for Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, which seems to be facing another setback in its plans for the future. One of the positions the team wants to strengthen is center back, and Xabi Alonso has a candidate in mind for that spot. That player is Jonathan Tah, who has shown a preference for joining Barcelona, which has no salary cap to sign him.
However, the 6’5” center back, who would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid, seems to have other plans that do not include the Santiago Bernabéu. Tah’s contract expires this summer, so he can sign for whoever he wants, and it seems that he wants to follow in the footsteps of his teammate Wirtz and join Bayern Munich. It’s not over yet, but it seems 90% certain that his future lies in Germany.