Xabi Alonso confirms first transfer target as Real Madrid boss
Context:
Real Madrid anticipates significant changes with the upcoming departure of Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the 2024/25 season, and Xabi Alonso is set to take over as head coach. Alonso, who is leaving Bayer Leverkusen due to a clause in his contract, has been entrusted with a considerable transfer budget by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing a free transfer to the club, while Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is Alonso's top transfer target. Zubimendi, who has a strong relationship with Alonso from their time at Real Sociedad B, is also being pursued by Arsenal, but Real Madrid is confident due to their personal and professional connections. Real Madrid hopes to leverage Alonso's impending arrival and their competitive advantages to secure Zubimendi's transfer despite Arsenal's interest.
Dive Deeper:
Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season, prompting the club to prepare for a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, who previously played for the team.
Xabi Alonso is leaving Bayer Leverkusen due to a contractual clause that allows him to move if an offer comes from one of his former teams, and his return to Madrid is imminent.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has provided Alonso with a substantial transfer budget to revitalize the team, marking a fresh start for the club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is close to finalizing a free transfer to Real Madrid, highlighting the club's strategy to strengthen their squad with key acquisitions.
Martin Zubimendi is Alonso's primary transfer target, and although Arsenal is actively pursuing him, Real Madrid believes their existing relationship and shared agent give them an edge.
Zubimendi's impressive performances in La Liga have kept him on the radar of top clubs, with Real Madrid hoping to activate his €60m release clause and secure his services.
The strong personal connection between Alonso and Zubimendi, fostered during Alonso's time at Real Sociedad B, is a pivotal factor in Real Madrid's pursuit of the midfielder.
Real Madrid fans are expecting huge changes at the club from the start of June.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to move from the Spanish capital at the end of the 2024/25 campaign - which wraps up on May 25 - with Los Blancos still in the hunt to defend their La Liga crown.
A UEFA Champions League quarterfinal exit, and a club-wide push for a fresh start, has edged Ancelotti closer to the exit door with former midfielder Xabi Alonso on standby to come in.
Bayer Leverkusen have already confirmed a clause in Alonso's contract which allows him to move on if one of his old teams came in with an offer.
Alonso has since confirmed he will leave Leverkusen in the coming weeks as a deal to bring him back to Madrid creeps closer.
Club president Florentino Perez will hand the 43-year-old a sizeable transfer budget to work with and a free transfer swoop for Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost over the line.
As per reports from Diario AS, Alonso has already devised a shortlist of key targets, with Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi the No.1 pick.
Martin Zubimendi's Real Sociedad release clause, contract, stats
Zubimendi has been on Real Madrid's radar since the start of 2025, after Spain star rejected a move to Liverpool last summer, with Arsenal also tracking him.Mikel Arteta is reportedly confident the greater intensity of Arsenal's talks with Zubimendi and his representatives will be enough to secure a deal despite Real Madrid's place in the race.
Both sides are capable of exercising his €60m ]$65m] release clause in San Sebastian and offering Zubimendi a sizeable contract above what his current deal until 2027 includes.
- However, Real Madrid are confident of holding two key advantages, both backed by Alonso's impending arrival.
The duo have a strong personal relationship, as Alonso turbo-charged Zubimendi's progress into the La Real first team, during his time in charge of the Real Sociedad B side.
That will facilitate a link between the two, and they also share an agent, with Iñaki Ibáñez the key figure in the ongoing talks with Arsenal.
Arsenal are still in ahead in the battle for Zubimendi, but another strong La Liga campaign for the 26-year-old, has kept Real Madrid on his trail.
He is currently fourth in La Liga for progressive passes made by a midfielder in 2024/25 with 180, and fourth for tackles on 72, as per Fbref.com.
Real Madrid news and related links