Real Madrid are closing in on Xabi Alonso as their new coach, according to multiple sources. The former player would welcome the opportunity to take charge of the team early due to the lack of time for proper pre-season after this summer’s Club World Cup.
Alonso announced last Friday that he would not continue as Bayer Leverkusen coach, stating it was "the right moment" to move on. He mentioned on Sunday that he would announce his next move "shortly." His arrival at Real Madrid has been agreed upon and is expected to be announced publicly soon.
Upcoming Season Challenges
The 2025-26 LaLiga campaign begins just a month after this year’s Club World Cup ends. An essential condition for a final agreement with Alonso is the approval of Bayer Leverkusen, but that is not expected to be an issue given the good relationship between the two clubs.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s recent 4-3 defeat against Barcelona in El Clasico has put them on the brink of losing out in the La Liga title race, trailing Barcelona by seven points with three games remaining.
Transfer News
In other news related to Real Madrid, sources have indicated that Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool could join them soon. The England international defender will travel with the team for this year’s Club World Cup because his contract expires on June 30th. Liverpool have requested a fee release of around €1 million ($1.1 million).
Defensive Reinforcements
With Trent Alexander-Arnold covering the right-back position, Real Madrid will focus on strengthening their center defense and left-back positions. They believe both positions need more quality players, as their current defense has been the most vulnerable part of the team this season.
Potential additions being discussed include:
- Álvaro Carreras: Price tag of €60 million ($66.7 million)
- Dean Huijsen: Price tag of €50 million ($55.6 million)
However, the high price tags are drawbacks, keeping other options open. Both players have contracts expiring in 2027, meaning Real Madrid could negotiate or wait until they become free agents.
Additionally, filling key roles left vacant following Toni Kroos’s retirement last summer hasn’t been ruled out, particularly in the central midfield position, where potential additions are still being considered.
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