Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to invest around €100m in strengthening Real Madrid’s defense this summer, as per reports from Madrid Universal. The current Bayer Leverkusen manager has already announced his departure from the BayArena at the end of the season.
There have been multiple reports suggesting that Alonso will succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, although no official confirmation has been made yet. The Brazilian Football Conference (CBF) has already confirmed that Ancelotti will take over as the head coach of the Selecao after the current season concludes.
It is widely expected that Alonso will soon be announced as the new manager of Real Madrid, and he is wasting no time in planning to reinforce his team’s defense ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Real Madrid is reportedly targeting two defenders at Alonso’s request. The first player on their radar is Dean Huijsen, a promising Spanish center-back who has impressed while playing for Bournemouth this season. Despite interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, Huijsen is said to have his sights set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The 20-year-old has a release clause of €58m, which can be paid in three installments over 18 months.
In addition to Huijsen, Real Madrid is also looking to shore up the left-back position by pursuing Alvaro Carreras as an upgrade over Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia. Carreras, who spent three years in Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Manchester United in 2020, has been in stellar form since joining Benfica last summer. The 22-year-old has a €50m release clause in his contract.
Furthermore, there have been rumors circulating about Real Madrid’s interest in signing Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United. Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist believes that Fernandes could be tempted to join Real Madrid if the opportunity arises. The Portuguese midfielder has been a standout performer for Manchester United and could potentially be a replacement for Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In conclusion, Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso’s management is gearing up for a major defensive overhaul this summer, with significant investments planned to strengthen the team’s backline. With potential signings like Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and the rumored interest in Bruno Fernandes, the Santiago Bernabeu could see some exciting changes ahead of the new season. Stay tuned for more updates on Real Madrid’s transfer activities as the summer transfer window approaches.