Xabi Alonso snatches two players from Barcelona to Real Madrid
The revolution at Real Madrid now has a name: Xabi Alonso . The Basque coach, who has led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic season, will be the new coach of the white team from next summer. After confirming that he will leave the German team at the end of the season, all roads lead to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he will replace Carlo Ancelotti and start a new era on the Merengue bench.
And Xabi Alonso is not coming alone. The coach has already identified two priority signings that, in addition to strengthening Madrid, would represent a heavy blow to FC Barcelona, his eternal rival. Two strategic moves that directly target players who were in the orbit of the Blaugrana team and who could change course in the coming weeks.
The first on the list is Jonathan Tah , one of the pillars of the champion Bayer Leverkusen. The German center, who has had an exceptional season under the orders of Alonso, ends his contract this summer and will be able to join the club of his choice for free . At Barça, Deco had been working for months on his incorporation as an ideal reinforcement for the defense, especially in the face of a possible sale of Ronald Araujo.
In fact, sources at the Barça club assured at the beginning of the year that the agreement with Tah was well on track. But Barça’s complicated financial situation, combined with the lack of guarantees regarding the immediate sporting project, has cooled the talks. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have appeared on the scene with force, and the presence of Xabi Alonso could be decisive for the player to choose the Bernabéu as his next destination.
Signing Tah would be a masterstroke: he arrives for free, has international experience, leadership and an imposing physique that fits with what Madrid is looking for to renew its defensive line.
The second name on Xabi Alonso’s wish list also has a Barça accent. It is Álex Grimaldo , the left-back who was formed in the Barça youth academy and who has been one of the great revelations of European football this season. After his arrival at Leverkusen from Benfica, the Valencian has shone in his own right, contributing goals, assists and a tactical intelligence that has caught the attention of all the big names.
Grimaldo, who left Barça years ago with almost no opportunities in the first team, could close the circle in the most unexpected way: signing for Real Madrid . Xabi Alonso knows him perfectly and considers him ideal for his style of play. Furthermore, it is no secret that the coach is not particularly enthusiastic about Ferland Mendy , who he sees as limited in the offensive phase.
With Grimaldo, Madrid would gain depth, technique and experience without having to pay an astronomical sum. The player has a contract until 2027, but his release clause is not high , and the desire to reunite with Xabi Alonso could accelerate the operation.
These two possible moves not only strengthen Real Madrid in key positions, but also represent a moral and strategic blow to Barça , which is losing out on two important targets. With a project still under construction and with economic restrictions that limit its room for maneuver, the Blaugrana club sees its great rival taking advantage of the situation to strengthen itself with proven talent… and with a Barça past.
Xabi Alonso’s arrival on the Whites’ bench not only promises a change of style. It could also mark a turning point in the club’s signing policy. And his first big move could leave Barça shaken before the new season begins.
Source: El Nacional
