Xabi Alonso looks to be ready to take over as Real Madrid's new manager whenever Carlo Ancelotti leaves.
The Spanish manager is fresh to the job, but the work he has done is outstanding. With a mediocre Bayer Leverkusen squad that he transformed into a world-class team, he shattered Bayern Munich's hegemony.
In just a few years, Xabi has accomplished what many others have failed to do at the highest levels of international sport. And now he looks to be closer than ever to joining Real Madrid.
Xabi wants to bring two top players to Real Madrid next season
And, even before the job, the manager appears to have picked who he wants to the lead the midfield in the stellar squad he is assembling.
According to Diaro AS, as soon as he joins Real Madrid, he wants to bring two names to the table: Marti Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz, the star of his Bayer midfield. According to the report, neither of the two players is unknown to the club, which has been following them for quite some time.
Wirtz, in particular, was a key role in Xabi's system, propelling the squad to the top contenders for major European trophies.
But none of these signings will be simple for Madrid. Aside from the potential competition from major clubs, both players are extremely expensive.
According to AS, Zubimendi has a 60 million buyout clause, but he might fill the void left by Toni Kroos at Real Madrid. Wirtz, on the other hand, will cost Los Blancos at least 100 million if they decide to sign him today.
Given Madrid's previous strategy to the transfer market, which has focused solely on free agents, this does not correspond with Xabi's intentions. If they truly intend to fulfill the new manager's desires, they will have to spend at least a hundred million and a half.