Xabi Alonso looks poised to become Real Madrid’s next manager before the beginning of the 2025/26 season, with Carlo Ancelotti looking to be on the verge of an exit.
The Spaniard will be bringing in new innovations and an exciting playing style to Real Madrid’s set-up once he takes in reigns of the club.
There is also a strong chance that he reverts to a 3-man backline, which brought his Bayer Leverkusen side a lot of success.
Alonso has reportedly planned on a few priority targets he wants to sign once he takes over at Real Madrid, and that involves bringing Florian Wirtz with him.
He also wants to bring in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah (who will become a free agent in the summer) and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid.
This could create an interesting switch-up to Real Madrid’s system next season and also impact some of the existing players.
Tah can easily slot into the defensive shape with Raul Asencio as well as Antonio Rudiger. Zubimendi, however, could end up replacing Aurelien Tchouameni in the midfield.
Jude Bellingham might be forced to drop into a deeper role, which can allow Wirtz to play as the most advanced midfielder. Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr are likely to spearhead Los Blancos’ frontline in Alonso’s system.
Real Madrid’s potential XI with Xabi Alonso’s key targets: Courtois, Asencio, Rudiger, Tah, Trent/Valverde, Zubimendi, Bellingham, Mendy/New LWB, Wirtz, Vini Jr, Mbappe