Xabi Alonso has officially parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen and is now fully focused on his next challenge: taking charge of Real Madrid after the Club World Cup in the United States.<\/p>\n
Alonso is already planning for the future, as he prepares the squad for the 2025\u201326 season\u2014a campaign in which he aims to restore the competitiveness that was lost last season and lead the team in pursuit of all major trophies.<\/p>\n
In this effort, Alonso is working closely with club president Florentino P\u00e9rez, CEO Jos\u00e9 \u00c1ngel S\u00e1nchez, and director of football Juni Calafat. The trio is determined to reinforce the squad, especially after a season plagued by injuries.<\/p>\n
Dean Huyssen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and \u00c1lvaro Carreras are expected to be the first signings of Alonso\u2019s era, although they certainly won\u2019t be the last.<\/p>\n
During a press conference following his departure from Leverkusen, Alonso remarked, “I can’t promise that I won’t bring in some Leverkusen players in my next stage.” His statement was a clear hint toward German midfielder Florian Wirtz, a long-time target of Real Madrid.<\/p>\n
Alonso knows that both Florentino P\u00e9rez and Jos\u00e9 \u00c1ngel S\u00e1nchez have Wirtz high on their list of potential signings\u2014alongside names such as Mart\u00edn Zubimendi, Angelo Stiller, and Tijjani Reijnders.<\/p>\n
As such, Alonso is reportedly pressuring the club\u2019s leadership to prioritize a deal for Wirtz, a player he deeply admires and believes would be a key reinforcement for Real Madrid\u2019s midfield.<\/p>\n
According to sources, Jos\u00e9 \u00c1ngel S\u00e1nchez and other senior figures at the club have already been made aware of Alonso\u2019s strong preference.<\/p>\n
Alonso described Wirtz by saying: \u201cHe\u2019s the best in his position. He offers exactly what we\u2019re missing\u2026 He could win the Ballon d\u2019Or,\u201d in what many interpreted as a direct appeal to the club to move for the German star.<\/p>\n
The main obstacle Real Madrid faces in this pursuit is the financial strength of Bayern Munich, which is reportedly ready to do everything possible to secure Wirtz\u2019s signature. It is widely believed that Wirtz won\u2019t stay long at Bayer Leverkusen, and Madrid\u2019s board is increasingly aware of the need to act decisively.<\/p>\n
To navigate this challenge, Real Madrid is exploring funding options beyond traditional transfer budget allocations\u2014while relying on Alonso himself to help persuade his former prot\u00e9g\u00e9 to make the move to the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Xabi Alonso has officially parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen and is now fully focused on his next challenge: taking charge of Real Madrid after the Club World Cup in the United States. Alonso is already planning for the future, as he prepares the squad for the 2025\u201326 season\u2014a campaign in which he aims to restore …<\/p>\n