Xabi Alonso has already started preparing for life at Real Madrid, with his demands for two new defensive reinforcements approved by the club.
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Alonso to join Madrid at end of the seasonDemanded Los Blancos sign a centre-back and left-backClub's management approve Leverkusen boss' demandsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
It is now all but confirmed that Alonso will be joining Real Madrid next month, after it was confirmed he'd be leaving his post as Bayer Leverkusen head coach. The Spaniard has already begun preparing for life with Los Blancos, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reporting that Madrid management has accepted Alonso's demands to sign a new centre-back and a left-back before the Club World Cup begins in June.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Madrid have been overwhelmed by an unrelenting defensive crisis this season, which saw them lose both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao to ACL injuries. In fact, for the Clasico that was played against Barcelona on May 11, Carlo Ancelotti was without Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, in addition to Carvajal and Militao.
Given that Alonso's system, a 3-4-2-1, relies on having three centre-backs, reinforcing the squad with new defenders is a must. According to a report from Madrid have shortlisted three centre-backs – Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, and Piero Hincapie – as potential signings this summer. After initially cooling interest in Huijsen, Madrid have reportedly reignited their pursuit of the Bournemouth sensation, especially after deeming William Saliba's €100 million (£86m/$113m) price tag too expensive.
DID YOU KNOW?
Madrid will be arriving at the Club World Cup with Carvajal, who's nearing full recovery, and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold covering the right-back spot. However, the left side of the defence needs bolstering. Currently, Madrid have Mendy and Fran Garcia as options for that area, with Eduardo Camavinga occasionally operating in a makeshift role.
The futures of both Garcia and Mendy are uncertain, even though the latter reportedly signed a renewal last summer. Madrid have already been linked with Huijsen's partner in Milos Kerkez, with club scouts attending Bournemouth's game against Arsenal earlier this month to further evaluate the left-back's potential.
Other names such as Benfica's Alvaro Carreras, AC Milan's Theo Hernandez, and Barcelona-linked Alejandro Grimaldo have also been put forward by the Spanish media.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
The 4-3 loss against Barcelona on Sunday means that Ancelotti's men likely squandered their final chance of defending their Liga crown. While Madrid are still mathematically alive in the title race, Barcelona need just one more win from their remaining three games to regain the bragging rights in Spain. The 36-time league winners will next face Mallorca on Wednesday, May 14.
