Xabi Alonso‘s Real Madrid transfer wishlist begins to take shape

It won’t be a revolution, but there will be movement.

Xabi Alonso is waving the flag of respect – “this is not the time to talk about my next club” – and although nothing has been signed yet, conversations with Real Madrid have already begun. Not just about the contract, but about the early brushstrokes of the project. His first wishes. And within that initial wishlist, a few names have already emerged. The beginning of his plan to imprint his style on the white club.

Key players on Alonso’s list

Two open cases are currently on the table: Zubimendi and Tah. One per line – a central defender and a creative midfielder – both of whom were already on the club’s radar. Nacho’s likely departure, injuries at the back, an aging defense, and the failure to land target Leny Yoro have made reinforcement essential. As has the looming exit of Toni Kroos.

Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to replace the precision and tempo that the German brought to Madrid’s midfield. Even before Xabi was seen as the heir to Carletto, both Zubimendi and Tah were being scrutinized in the backrooms of Chamartín. One is a midfield brain; the other, a market opportunity.

Zubimendi won’t be an easy deal. Xabi rates him highly – and Madrid know it. He’s familiar with him from their time at Sanse, Real Sociedad’s B team, and they even share the same agent (Iñaki Ibáñez). But according to sources in England, his move to Arsenal is seen as a done deal, with the €60 million ($65 million) release clause set to be paid. Contract terms have reportedly been agreed for some time.

It’s also worth noting that he was on the verge of joining Liverpool last summer. While new boss Arne Slot turned Ryan Gravenberch into the player The Reds needed to win the Premier League, adding Zubimendi will surely still be on their minds as they push for more success with even greater squad depth.

The only way Madrid might win that battle is if Martín himself – hoping to reunite with his idol and former coach – pushes for the switch.

Jonathan Tah is a different story. A 6ft 5in, 29-year-old center-back... available on a free. His contract is up and he’s not renewing. That’s long been accepted at Leverkusen. He was close to joining Barça, but a final handshake never came. Now, the ‘Xabi factor’ – who has made him his most-used player this season – could prove decisive. Huijsen is the preferred option, but Tah would arrive for free... just like Alexander-Arnold. And with Xabi’s blessing.

Wirtz fades away

In fact, there were three names. There was a cherry on top, as AS previously reported. Florian Wirtz. The coach was asked about him yesterday, and with a half-smile replied: “He hasn’t told me he only wants to go to Bayern... He hasn’t said that.”

The German star has been linked with three clubs – Bayern, Madrid and City – and Xabi left the door open.

But reports from Germany suggest the playmaker wants to stay in the Bundesliga. This summer or next, his dream is the Allianz Arena – and to play alongside his friend Musiala. That significantly weakens, if not outright ends, Madrid’s chances of signing him.

Despite his enormous talent and potential – he’s still only 22 – the price tag, reportedly north of €100 million ($108 million), and his favored role as a No 10 cutting in from the left, made him a tough fit anyway. Now, barring a dramatic twist, Madrid won’t have to solve that particular puzzle. Because Xabi will be left without his cherry.

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