Three players Xabi Alonso could bring to Real Madrid this summer | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing for a big summer with a new manager at the helm. Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is poised to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the new head coach after the La Liga campaign, as per Marca.

Alonso will start his work straightaway with Los Blancos set to feature at the Club World Cup in the United States from mid-June. While that happens, the Spanish tactician could also be involved in transfer decisions.

The 43-year-old could have a big say on potential incomings. Here are three candidates he could bring to Madrid.

Madrid have traditionally played with a 4-2-3-1 formation under different managers, but Alonso could prefer to stick with a 3-4-2-1 set-up, which has made him successful with Leverkusen.

This could pave the way for a new centre-back signing. There has been much talk about a move for Arsenal’s William Saliba, but we believe Huijsen is a more realistic target for Los Blancos.

Arsenal have just opened contract talks with Saliba and may not contemplate his exit for at least another year if there is a stand-off. The Frenchman’s present deal expires in June 2027.

On the contrary, Huijsen can be signed for a buy-out clause worth £50 million. The 19-year-old has opened the door for a move to the Bernabeu and has described Sergio Ramos as his idol.

Alonso likes to play with central defenders who are composed at building from the back and can win one-on-one duels. Huijsen has caught the eye with his ball control in the Premier League and has won 58 per cent of his duels.

The Spaniard also possesses a scoring threat from set-pieces with his huge aerial presence. He would be a quality acquisition to bolster the club’s central defensive department ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen

Alonso could be tempted to raid Leverkusen for a potential recruit at Madrid. With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Madrid on a free transfer, the door has probably closed for right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong to make the switch.

As a result, Alonso could pursue a deal for left wing-back Grimaldo instead. The 29-year-old has been brilliant for Leverkusen since his arrival from Benfica. He has managed 49 goal contributions from just 97 appearances.

Just like Alexander-Arnold, Grimaldo is an attacking full-back by trade. Madrid presently have the likes of David Alaba and Ferland Mendy on the left side of the defence, but the duo have been injury-prone over recent years.

Mendy has made only 31 appearances this term after three different setbacks. Alaba has managed just 14 outings on the back of multiple injuries, including a cruciate ligament tear last year. Madrid need an upgrade on the duo.

Alaba could be the candidate to make way for Grimaldo. The Austrian is no longer in his prime at 32 and has become unreliable with his injury record. We believe Mendy could stay put due to his strong defensive qualities.

The Frenchman is not known for his attacking contributions, but has been solid with a passing accuracy of 94 percent, with almost 60 percent duels won in La Liga this campaign. He would be a good deputy behind Grimaldo.

Joan Garcia – Real Sociedad

The 24-year-old has been one of La Liga’s breakout stars this season. The Spaniard was a relatively unknown until he helped Espanyol to secure promotion from La Liga 2. He was promoted ahead of Fernando Pacheco in the back end of last season.

Premier League giants Arsenal were determined to sign him as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer, but a deal did not materialise. Garcia has since confirmed that there was strong interest from the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side remain in pole position to land his signature, but Madrid could provide stiff competition. Cadena SER claim that they have not ruled out a move for the Spaniard, who has a £21m release clause in his contract.

Thibaut Courtois is an undisputed starter in goal as things stand, but Alonso may want a long-term successor. Garcia could be pursued as a backup if deputy Andriy Lunin decides to pursue a new challenge this summer.

Garcia would be a fine addition to the squad. He has made almost four saves per La Liga appearance with a success rate of 75 percent. He has brilliant reflexes just like Courtois and has also excelled with his high claims.

Both Arsenal and Madrid view him as a second-choice goalkeeper. Garcia could be persuaded to join Los Blancos over the Gunners with their silverware pedigree and the opportunity to stay in Spain over moving abroad.