Real Madrid Confidencial The 2 stars Xabi Alonso wants at Real Madrid, he's going to take them from Barça.
Xabi Alonso wants to bring Grimaldo and Tah from Bayer, two pillars of his squad that Barcelona wanted
The next transfer market is already gearing up. Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso on the horizon, is preparing several strategic moves.
The Basque coach will be, barring any surprises, the new manager for Los Blancos. He is already thinking about strengthening his squad with two key players from Bayer Leverkusen.
Both names are also on FC Barcelona's agenda. But the operation could end up being a double blow for Laporta.
Jonathan Tah, the center-back Alonso wants
Jonathan Tah's contract ends this summer. The German center-back has been one of the pillars of the champion Bayer Leverkusen.
At Barça, they had advanced talks with the defender. There was even a verbal pre-agreement, subject to adjusting his figures to the salary cap.
But Real Madrid's entry has changed the scenario. Xabi Alonso wants him no matter what in his new project at Bernabéu.
The coach knows him well. He knows what he can bring and believes his arrival would provide stability to a defense with doubts.
Moreover, continuity with his current coach could be key for Tah to reject Barça and sign for Madrid.
Grimaldo, the perfect full-back for the new Madrid
Alejandro Grimaldo is the other target Alonso has identified. The former Barça player has excelled this season with goals, assists, and prominence.
The left-back, with a very offensive profile, fits what the new Los Blancos coaching staff is looking for.
Ferland Mendy doesn't fully convince Xabi Alonso. And Grimaldo represents a more modern profile, with vision, touch, and dribbling.
Barça also had him on the radar. His low cost and Barça past made him a very attractive option.
But, once again, the financial situation of the blaugrana club could be an obstacle. Madrid, on the other hand, has muscle and determination.
Grimaldo could wear white. It would be a strategic signing, but also symbolic: a Barça youth player returning to Spain with the eternal rival.
Barça, against the ropes
Laporta and Deco already know it. Two of the players they liked the most are about to slip away.
And not to just any destination, but to Real Madrid. If Xabi Alonso convinces them, it will be a painful double defeat for the blaugranas.
Barça needs to react quickly if they don't want to lose ground in the market again.
The future is already moving. Xabi Alonso is starting to leave his mark, even before sitting on the Bernabéu bench.
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