Xabi Alonso Eyes Zubimendi and Tah for Real Madrid Rebuild
With Xabi Alonso set to replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid, his top transfer targets are Martin Zubimendi and Jonathan Tah. Zubimendi has a €60m clause and interest from Arsenal, while free agent Tah is also on Barcelona’s radar.
With Xabi Alonso set to replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid, his top transfer targets are Martin Zubimendi and Jonathan Tah. Zubimendi has a €60m clause and interest from Arsenal, while free agent Tah is also on Barcelona’s radar. Alonso aims to rebuild after Madrid's failed move for Leny Yoro and Kroos' retirement.
After the confirmation of Xabi Alonso’s upcoming departure from Bayer Leverkusen, anticipation is growing around his expected return to Real Madrid as head coach. Although the club has not officially announced Alonso’s appointment, Carlo Ancelotti is widely reported to be stepping down after a disappointing season and will take over as Brazil's national team coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Alonso has already identified two key transfer targets to begin reshaping Madrid’s squad — Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. Alonso has prior experience working with both players: he coached Zubimendi during his time at Real Sociedad B and relied heavily on Tah in Leverkusen’s historic 2024–25 campaign, where they won their first Bundesliga title, went unbeaten domestically, and reached the Europa League final.
The 43-year-old is prioritizing these signings to fill the void left by Toni Kroos's retirement and to compensate for missing out on Leny Yoro, who is joining Manchester United. However, competition is fierce. Zubimendi reportedly has a €60 million release clause and is close to joining Arsenal, while Tah is a free agent and is also a target for Barcelona. Madrid hopes Alonso's influence will sway both deals in their favour.
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