Real Madrid has not managed to sign any of the three players that Xabi Alonso reportedly requested immediately after being appointed as coach.
Despite a positive start in the Club World Cup, where Alonso fielded his best lineup, his transfer plans are not unfolding as he had hoped.
According to AS newspaper, Alonso had asked as early as April for three key reinforcements: Martin Zubimendi, Florian Wirtz, and Jonathan Tah. All three players have now taken different paths from what the new Real Madrid coach desired.
Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder, was the top target for strengthening midfield. But, according to reports from England, he is in London to finalize his move to Arsenal. Even though Alonso saw him as the ideal choice, it seems Zubimendi will end up with the Gunners.
Florian Wirtz, another big name on Alonso’s list, has joined Liverpool for a fee of €120 million. The player himself confirmed that he spoke with Alonso before making his decision, but ultimately chose to move to Anfield.
enter-back Jonathan Tah was the third player Alonso wanted at the Bernabéu. However, the 30-year-old has decided to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer after his contract with Leverkusen expired.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has made some additions this summer. Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have joined the team and have started in all matches during the U.S. tour.
In addition, an agreement has been reached with Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, who will sign once he turns 18 in August.
Despite the difficulties in the transfer market, Xabi Alonso is showing clarity in his project on the field, but it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will fulfill his requests during the summer.
