Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid: Transfers, Plans & Full Project Revealed
Real Madrid’s 2024–25 campaign was supposed to be one of glory. With a squad brimming with generational talent—Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga—the expectations were sky-high. But instead of celebrating trophies, the Bernabéu faithful ended the season with frustration. Los Blancos underperformed domestically and fell short in the Champions League once again, despite boasting one of the most expensive and promising squads in Europe. The underachievement prompted swift action from the club hierarchy: Enter Xabi Alonso.
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach represents both a nod to the past and a bet on the future. A former midfield maestro for Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain, Alonso brings not only a deep understanding of the club’s culture but also an exciting new coaching philosophy shaped by his success with Bayer Leverkusen. In Germany, he turned Leverkusen into one of the most tactically flexible and attacking sides in the Bundesliga, all while developing young players into world-class stars. Now he arrives at Madrid with the same mission—but under much greater pressure.
Real Madrid Appoints Xabi Alonso – Wirtz & Zubimendi to Join?
One of Alonso’s immediate concerns is restoring the balance in Real’s midfield. Despite moments of brilliance from Bellingham, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni, the midfield lacked structure, especially in matches against elite opposition. Alonso is set to change that with a clear target: Martín Zubimendi. The Spanish holding midfielder has been a standout at Real Sociedad, known for his intelligent positioning, calm distribution, and ability to break opposition lines. Zubimendi is seen by Alonso as a long-term successor to Casemiro’s role, a player who can shield the back four and anchor the midfield with calm authority. Negotiations with Real Sociedad are underway, and while the player is valued highly, the presence of Alonso, a Basque and former mentor, could help facilitate the deal.
But Alonso isn’t stopping there. Another major target is Florian Wirtz, the German attacking midfielder whom Alonso coached and developed at Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz has blossomed into one of Europe’s most exciting young playmakers, blending creativity, vision, and composure beyond his years. His understanding with Alonso is well-documented, and sources close to the club suggest that Wirtz is keen to follow his former manager to Madrid. Adding Wirtz to an attacking setup that already includes Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham could give Madrid the creative spark they often lacked when the stars went quiet. With Luka Modrić entering what may be his final season, Wirtz could also be part of a generational handover.
Defensively, Real Madrid conceded 38 goals in La Liga, a stat that frustrated fans and analysts alike. Alonso’s response has been proactive. Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join from Liverpool, bringing attacking flair and world-class crossing from the right flank. On the left, Real are close to finalizing a deal for Álvaro Carreras, a young full-back from Benfica who impressed with his defensive maturity and attacking instinct. Dean Huijsen, a tall and technical center-back who shone on loan at Roma, has already been secured to add depth and competition in central defense. Alonso wants a backline that can play with the ball, press high, and recover quickly—traits that align with the modern tactical blueprint.
In the attacking third, despite scoring over 40 goals across all competitions, Kylian Mbappé faced criticism for failing to deliver in key matches, especially in the Champions League knockouts. There were whispers that the Frenchman hadn’t yet fully clicked with Real’s system or the rhythm of La Liga. Alonso’s tactical approach will be centered around maximizing Mbappé’s explosiveness, while also ensuring synergy with Vinícius and Rodrygo. There is talk of shifting to a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1, with Wirtz or Bellingham operating behind Mbappé, and wide players cutting in behind advanced fullbacks. Alonso’s tactical flexibility could be the key to unlocking the true potential of this forward line.
Xabi Alonso Becomes Real Madrid Manager: His Bold Plans to Revive the Club After a Disappointing Season
Yet, it’s not just on the pitch where Alonso plans to make changes. Behind the scenes, he requested several alterations to the technical staff. One controversial issue has been his desire to replace veteran fitness coach Antonio Pintus with his own high-performance specialist. However, president Florentino Pérez reportedly blocked that move, citing Pintus’s legendary status and unparalleled experience in Madrid’s locker room. This is an early reminder that while Alonso may have tactical freedom, he’ll still need to navigate the politics of working at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Alonso’s appointment also signals a philosophical shift. Real Madrid, once known for their Galáctico obsession, now seem more committed to building a sustainable core of young, world-class talent. The acquisitions of Zubimendi and Wirtz—should they materialize—would fit that model perfectly: smart, strategic, and with long-term vision. Alonso’s ability to develop players is already evident, and Madrid hope he can do for La Fábrica (their academy) what he did for Leverkusen’s youth—turning promise into performance.
There’s also the emotional component. For many fans, Alonso’s return is poetic. A player who embodied elegance and intelligence on the pitch, he now returns to lead the club through a period of generational transition. He understands the pressure, the expectations, and the pride that comes with wearing the white shirt. But more importantly, he understands how to modernize a team without abandoning its identity. His Real Madrid won’t just aim to win—they’ll aim to dominate with purpose, character, and clarity.
The calendar ahead doesn’t allow for a gentle start. Real Madrid will head into the Club World Cup later this year, a tournament they’ll be expected to win. Then comes La Liga, the Champions League, and the pressure of outperforming Barcelona, Atlético, and Europe’s elite. For Alonso, every match will be a test—not just of tactics, but of leadership, adaptability, and resilience.
For the first time in years, Real Madrid fans aren’t just looking at names on a team sheet. They’re looking at a project—one led by a former hero with a clear footballing philosophy and the courage to reshape the club’s future. With smart transfers, a flexible tactical system, and the trust of the dressing room, Xabi Alonso could be the man who not only revives Real Madrid after a disappointing season—but builds a new era of dominance from the ground up.
Time will tell if this new chapter under Xabi Alonso will deliver the silverware Madridistas crave, but one thing is certain: the Bernabéu is buzzing again.