Xabi Alonso is close to returning to Real Madrid as their new manager for the upcoming season. Los Blancos have decided to release Carlo Ancelotti from his duties at the helm.
The Italian manager, who is also the most successful for the Spanish outfit, is facing the consequences after Real Madrid’s unceremonious exit from the Champions League quarter-final.
Los Blancos are also four points behind league leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race. With five games left in the season, it is an uphill task for the team from the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid also lost the Copa del Rey final dramatically in Seville. Therefore, they may end the season without winning a single silverware.
Given the standards in the Spanish capital, this was a big reason for the Italian’s dismissal. The team management also believe that Alonso will bring fresher ideas to the team.
The Basque coach has proven his managerial credentials at Bayer Leverkusen last season, where he won the Bundesliga title unbeaten along with the DFB-Pokal crown.
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He also guided Die Werkself to the Europa League final, where they lost the title to Atalanta.
What are Xabi Alonso’s demands ahead of moving to Real Madrid?
As per reports on Spanish outlet, Diario AS, the Spaniard has demanded three big signings from the Real Madrid team management, if he eventually makes the move.
The list includes Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, along with Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah from his current club, Bayer Leverkusen.
Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal but the Gunners are yet to trigger his £50 million release clause. So if the Real Madrid act quickly, they can hijack this deal ahead of the Premier League outfit.
Secondly, the Madrid outfit have been long term admirers of Florian Wirtz. Reports were suggesting that the German international also prefers a move out of Germany, and reuniting with Alonso will be a big positive in his career.
However, the youngster won’t come cheap as it would need a bid higher than €100 million. With plenty of clubs interested in Wirtz, the price can go higher.
Lastly, Jonathan Tah is the third player on the Spaniard’s wishlist. The German centre-back has been pivotal to his success in Leverkusen, and therefore, he wants to bring him to Madrid.
The 29-year-old’s current contract with the Bundesliga champions is ending this season, and clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona are interested in signing him.
Now, Real Madrid will become the third club to attract interest for the German international to solidify their backline, which has been a point of concern for Los Blancos this season.
All three demands are extremely viable as Real Madrid need to shake things up in a few positions. Now it is up to Alonso to make the move to the Spanish capital.
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