Frank Christian
Xabi Alonso, the new head coach of Real Madrid, is set to receive a significant transfer budget this summer.
The ex-midfielder returned to Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, stepping in for his former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso’s mission is straightforward: restore Real Madrid’s status as contenders for both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, especially after suffering four losses to Barcelona in the previous season.
Dean Huijsen, a Spanish international, has already joined Madrid in a deal finalized with Bournemouth before Alonso took charge, and the team is making headway in their attempts to acquire Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Club president Florentino Perez is eager to secure at least one high-profile signing, even as the club shifts away from the trend of massive galactico acquisitions.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Diario AS, Perez is now looking to compete with Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, despite the German star seemingly set for a move to Anfield.
Will Real Madrid Outshine Liverpool in the Pursuit of Wirtz?
Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions, have seemingly conceded defeat in their chase for Wirtz, leaving the path more open for Arne Slot.
However, with Wirtz boasting impressive stats for the 2024/25 season— including 16 goals and 13 assists in all competitions—Leverkusen expects to secure an upfront fee of £100m [$135m], along with an additional £25m [$34m] in performance-based bonuses throughout his contract.
This fee is within Perez’s allocation if Real Madrid decides to pursue him, and the club believes that Alonso can crucially impact their chances.
Alonso had a close relationship with Wirtz during their time at Leverkusen, particularly aiding in his recovery from an ACL injury in 2022, and the 22-year-old has acknowledged Alonso as a significant influence in his career.
Updates and Relevant Links from Real Madrid
- A Real Madrid player anticipates Xabi Alonso’s success as the new successor to Carlo Ancelotti
- Real Madrid set to compete with Arsenal for €58m transfer target
- Real Madrid faces a setback as Jude Bellingham sustains an injury ahead of the 2025/26 season
