As the curtains gradually draw on the 2024/25 season, all eyes are now on the new era about to begin at Real Madrid. The man expected to lead that next chapter is none other than Xabi Alonso, the former midfield maestro who once graced the Santiago Bernabéu as a player and is now set to return as a coach.
Xabi Alonso has already established a formidable reputation in the managerial world. His outstanding work with Bayer Leverkusen—where he guided the club to unprecedented heights in the Bundesliga—has earned him widespread acclaim and made him the preferred choice to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian tactician is expected to bow out at the end of the campaign, closing the chapter on what has been an illustrious if occasionally turbulent, tenure at Real Madrid.
But even before officially taking the reins, Alonso appears to be drawing up his roadmap for success. According to several reports from Spain and Germany, the 43-year-old is determined to make a bold statement by bringing in a player who was pivotal to his success at Leverkusen—Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz, a gifted 21-year-old playmaker, has been central to Leverkusen’s resurgence under Alonso. With an eye for goal, incredible vision, and a flair for unlocking defenses, he is the kind of creative force that could thrive in Madrid’s midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
Sources close to the situation say Alonso views Wirtz not just as a tactical asset but as a cornerstone of his Real Madrid project. The pair share a strong rapport, and Wirtz is believed to be open to continuing their working relationship in the Spanish capital, even with Bayern Munich heavily courting him.
Indeed, Bayern Munich has reportedly agreed in principle to a deal worth around €250 million—€120 million for the transfer fee and the rest covering salary and bonuses over five years. Despite this, Wirtz hasn’t closed the door on Real Madrid, hinting through his camp that he would prefer to reunite with Alonso, should the opportunity arise.
Alonso has reportedly communicated his desire directly to the Madrid board, urging them to intervene and hijack the deal with Bayern. For the incoming manager, securing Wirtz would not only bolster the squad but also provide a familiar presence to help implement his philosophy swiftly.
However, Florentino Pérez, the powerful president of Real Madrid, has shown no inclination to meet the exorbitant financial demands involved. Known for his strategic approach to spending, Pérez is reportedly against paying such a hefty sum for a single player, no matter how talented.
The president’s stance is consistent with his policy over the last few years, where he has emphasized smart recruitment, particularly favoring free transfers and long-term investments. He sees no immediate need to invest over €100 million on a midfielder when the club already boasts young stars like Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Pérez has also stressed the importance of defensive reinforcements, particularly at left-back and central defense, as more urgent priorities for the summer window. With Nacho Fernández aging and Ferland Mendy’s fitness often a concern, the club’s backline is seen as an area in greater need of strengthening.
While he acknowledges Wirtz’s quality, Pérez believes that Real Madrid’s midfield is already well-stocked and that the club must avoid repeating past mistakes of overspending in areas where depth already exists. In his view, financial prudence must go hand-in-hand with sporting ambition.
This has led to internal frustration. Alonso, who is stepping into the spotlight at one of the world’s most demanding clubs, is reportedly disappointed that his top request is being dismissed so early. He had hoped to receive full support from the board as he looks to stamp his identity on the squad.
The situation has drawn comparisons to Ancelotti’s experience, where the Italian had to work under tight constraints despite his pedigree. If history repeats itself, Alonso may find himself having to compromise more than he expected.
Nevertheless, the new manager remains optimistic. His faith in his ability to shape the existing squad and integrate tactical discipline could still carry Madrid through. But the absence of Wirtz would certainly leave a gap in the playmaking department that Alonso had envisioned filling.
Fans, meanwhile, are divided. Many share Alonso’s enthusiasm for Wirtz and believe the German could be the next great Galáctico. Others side with Pérez, arguing that financial caution is necessary in an evolving transfer market.
With the summer window fast approaching, the tension between sporting ambition and financial pragmatism is once again surfacing at Real Madrid. Whether Alonso and Pérez can find common ground will be one of the defining narratives of the months ahead.
For now, the dream of seeing Florian Wirtz in the white of Madrid remains just that—a dream. And as it stands, Xabi Alonso’s grand return to the Bernabéu may begin without his most trusted lieutenant by his side.
