The revolution at Real Madrid now has a name and a face: Xabi Alonso. The Basque coach, who led Bayer Leverkusen through a historic season, is set to take over as Real Madrid’s head coach starting next summer. After confirming his departure from the German club at the end of the current campaign, all signs point to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he will succeed Carlo Ancelotti and usher in a new era for Los Blancos.
But Alonso will not undertake this challenge alone. The Spanish tactician has already identified two key signings to strengthen the squad—strategic moves that could deal a significant blow to traditional rivals Barcelona. Both targets were previously on the Blaugrana’s radar and could see their futures shift dramatically in the coming weeks.
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According to the Spanish outlet El Nacional, Jonathan Tah tops Alonso’s list. The German center-back, a pivotal figure under Alonso at Leverkusen, will be out of contract this summer and free to join any club. At Barcelona, sporting director Deco has been working for months to bring Tah in as a defensive reinforcement—particularly with the potential departure of Ronald Araújo.
Indeed, earlier this year, sources within the Catalan club indicated that a deal for Tah was progressing well. However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges and the uncertainty surrounding their sporting project have stalled negotiations. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has stepped up its interest, and Alonso’s influence could be decisive in steering the player toward the Bernabéu.
Signing Tah would be a major coup for Madrid: a free transfer with international pedigree, proven leadership, and the physical presence needed to reinforce and modernize the back line.
Álex Grimaldo is the second name on Alonso’s wish list. The left-back, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has been one of European football’s standout performers this season. Since his move from Benfica to Leverkusen, Grimaldo has impressed with goals, assists, and tactical acumen.
Having left Barcelona years ago without a real opportunity in the first team, Grimaldo could now complete an unexpected arc by joining their arch-rivals. Alonso knows him well and sees him as a perfect fit for his playing philosophy. It’s also no secret that the coach is not particularly convinced by Ferland Mendy, whom he views as limited in the attacking phase.
With Grimaldo, Real Madrid would gain significant technical depth and experience without a substantial financial outlay. Although under contract until 2027, his release clause is relatively modest—and his desire to reunite with Alonso could accelerate the deal.
These two potential signings would not only bolster Real Madrid in key areas but also deliver a psychological and strategic blow to Barcelona, which now risks losing two of its top summer targets. With the Blaugrana project still in flux and financial constraints hindering flexibility, the Catalan club finds itself on the back foot, while its historic rival capitalizes on the moment—strengthening with top-tier talent, including players tied to Barcelona’s own past.
