Latest news with #XabiAlonso
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona reached out to intermediaries to explore move for Real Madrid superstar
According to a report from UOL Esporte (h/t SPORT), Barcelona contacted intermediaries to express their interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes, even though they have already finalised a deal for Marcus Rashford. It is no secret that the news from Brazil has come as a surprise. On Saturday, the South American publication reported that Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on Rodrygo's situation at Real Madrid. The club has made an initial approach through intermediaries, letting them know they would be open to starting negotiations if Rodrygo ever decides to leave the Bernabeu. Real Madrid future uncertain At the moment, Rodrygo has not shown any intention to leave Real Madrid. Both the player and his team have publicly stated they prefer for him to stay and fight for his place next season. However, with the competition for attacking spots increasing at Real Madrid, his role in the squad could be reduced under Xabi Alonso. Barcelona expressed interest in signing Rodrygo. (Photo by Florencia) As such, several Premier League clubs are already monitoring the situation, and Barcelona appeared to have entered the race. For now, Real Madrid are not completely against selling Rodrygo, but they expect a significant transfer fee. The club values the Brazilian winger at €100 million, although they might consider lowering the price depending on how the market develops this summer. Barcelona transfer impossible Despite the interest, a move to Barcelona seems highly unlikely. The Catalan club has already closed the deal for Marcus Rashford, who will join on a loan with an option to buy for €35 million. Given their current financial limits, it is almost impossible for Barça to make a serious move for Rodrygo this summer. The situation is just an approach without any formal negotiations. Rashford is the player Barcelona have chosen to lead their new attacking project under Hansi Flick, and unless something dramatic happens, that decision will not change.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso a big admirer of €75 million-rated Real Madrid midfield general's tactical intelligence
The FIFA Club World Cup marked the beginning of a new era at Real Madrid, as Xabi Alonso took over the reins as manager from Carlo Ancelotti. The tournament, which saw the Merengues crash out at the semi-final stages against PSG, left many questions, such as the future of Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos, or how Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe will fit together in Alonso's system. But it also offered some clear answers, like new signing Dean Huijsen is going to play a critical role in the team. Aurelien Tchouameni set for a key part in Alonso's plans Another important learning for Real Madrid from the Club World Cup was that Aurélien Tchouameni would play a key role in Xabi Alonso's system, whether the team lines up with a back four or three central defenders. As reported by MARCA, Alonso admires the Frenchman greatly and highly values the player's tactical intelligence – beyond just his technical skills or physical strength. Throughout the tournament, Tchouameni featured in both roles – as a deep-lying midfielder in a 4-3-3 and as a ball-playing sweeper flanked by Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger in a three-man defensive line. Xabi Alonso's extension on the pitch. (Photo by) The former AS Monaco was often seen becoming an extension of Alonso on the pitch. On several occasions, the new Real Madrid boss was seen addressing him directly to adjust tactical details mid-match. Bouncing back strongly Under Carlo Ancelotti, despite some scepticism, Tchouameni was also used in both roles -primarily as a pivot, but also as a centre-back, where he faced the most criticism. The Frenchman came under intense scrutiny and criticism in the early parts of the last season, following a string of disappointing displays – so much so that fans had turned to booing and whistling him. However, Tchouameni managed to turn things around over time and by the end of the season, he was one of Ancelotti's most consistent performers. That trend continued under Alonso at the Club World Cup. The midfielder has previously gone on record about how he does not enjoy playing at centre-back. However, during the recent tournament, he made it clear that he is fully on board with Alonso's vision. *Player valuation in title obtained from on date of publication.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Erik ten Hag suffers nightmare start at Bayer Leverkusen as Bundesliga side are thrashed 5-1 by Flamengo Under-20s in Brazil
Erik ten Hag 's reign as Bayer Leverkusen manager began in disastrous fashion with a humiliating 5-1 defeat by Flamengo's Under-20 side. Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United last October after managing just three wins from their opening nine matches of the season. The Dutchman was appointed by Leverkusen in May as successor to Xabi Alonso, who left to take charge at Real Madrid. The Bundesliga side made the long trip to Brazil for Ten Hag's debut, facing Flamengo's youth side in their opening pre-season match. The former Ajax boss named a strong starting XI, sticking with predecessor Alonso's title-winning 3-4-2-1 system. Senior players including new goalkeeper Mark Flekken, Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface were all handed starts in Rio. But it took just two minutes for things to go wrong, as Flamengo struck early before doubling their lead inside ten. A third goal followed moments later and, just as Ten Hag looked to limit the damage, a fourth hit the net on the stroke of half-time. The new boss had already hooked Flekken and Boniface in the 36th minute, but chose not to make any further changes at the break – and paid the price when Flamengo grabbed a fifth less than 10 minutes into the second half. Finally, on the hour mark, Ten Hag opted for a full overhaul – taking off every remaining starter, including the two early substitutes. That saw a wave of senior names enter the fray, with Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo and Patrick Schick among those thrown on in an attempt to salvage some pride. It was academy prospect Montrell Culbreath who gave Leverkusen something to cheer about, netting a consolation in the 71st minute. The German side steadied themselves in the closing stages, but the heavy early damage had already sealed their fate - leaving Ten Hag to endure a punishing debut. The heavy defeat is Leverkusen's first in the absence of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who both joined Liverpool for a combined £145.5million. The 2023-24 Bundesliga winners have added added to their squad with the arrivals of the likes of Flekken, Jarrell Quansah and Malik Tillman.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bundesliga defensive star offers himself to Real Madrid to solve defensive issue
Real Madrid are going through massive changes under Xabi Alonso, and interestingly, they aren't done yet. Los Blancos have dedicated the transfer window to fixing their defence, and the job isn't done as they are planning to bring more reinforcements following the Club World Cup. Following the Club World Cup debacle, Alonso has realised that Los Blancos need more defensive reinforcements. Therefore, a recent report via Rodra from ESPN suggests that Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie has offered himself to Real Madrid as they continue to assess their defensive options. The centre-back position is an area of concern for Alonso and his coaching staff as they lack depth despite signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer. Real Madrid suffered from a lot of injuries last season, and David Alaba is yet to recover from his knee injury, and there are doubts over his contribution this season. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp On the other hand, Eder Militao is in rehabilitation after suffering two consecutive ligament injuries, while he is close to getting fit, his on-field performances leave a big question mark. So Hincapie could be a great option for Real Madrid and considering his dynamics with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen enhances his chances of making the move. How much could Hincapie cost Real Madrid? Hincapie was a big part of Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga undefeated. getty image The Ecuadorian has been one of the most highly-rated defenders in the Bundesliga over the last few years, and he feels it is time for him to take the next step in his career. Hincapie's current contract with Leverkusen runs until 2029, but his contract includes a €60m ($70m) release clause. The 23-year-old defender, who is predominantly a centre-back and can also slot in as a left-back with aplomb, could be a perfect fit in Alonso's system. Real Madrid at this point only have Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen and Raul Asencio are the only fit centre-backs available, and they desperately need at least another defender. Real Madrid will now closely monitor the Ecuadorian's situation at Bayer Leverkusen as the defender is open to a move to a big European club this summer. Real Madrid news and related links Real Madrid announce farewell ceremony for Lucas Vazquez Real Madrid sets price to part ways with defender Luka Modric pays tribute to former manager with AC Milan shirt number
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
All completed Real Madrid transfers so far in 2025-26
Xabi Alonso has officially taken over the reins at Real Madrid, fresh off an impressive spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the club to a historic Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 campaign. The Santiago Bernabeu outfit is eager to bounce back after a frustrating 2024-25 season. Not even the high-profile arrival of Kylian Mbappé could prevent a Champions League quarterfinal exit or a silverware shutout, as Madrid finished second best to arch-rivals Barcelona in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. With a few signings reportedly already in the bag, Alonso will be looking to stamp his identity on this Real side and usher in a new era with his own tactical blueprint. Let's delve into all the confirmed transfers Real Madrid made during the season. Here, GOAL has got you covered with a comprehensive list of all the completed Real Madrid transfers in the 2025-26 season. New signings summer window Real Madrid have wasted no time making waves in the summer transfer window, bolstering their star-studded squad with the additions of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Franco Mastantuono. The recent capture of Álvaro Carreras from Benfica has pushed their summer outlay to a hefty €167.50 million excluding add-ons, marking their most aggressive market move since 2019. Once again, Los Blancos are flexing their financial muscle and reminding the continent why they're always in the conversation among Europe's biggest spenders. Player Nationality Previous club Fee Trent Alexander-Arnold England Liverpool €11.84 million (£10m, $13.5m) Franco Mastantuono Argentina/Italy River Plate €45.00 million (£38.5m, $51.8m) Álvaro Carreras Spain Benfica €50.00 million (£43.2m, $57.9m) Dean Huijsen Spain Bournemouth €59.50 million (£50m, $67.6m) Gonzalo Garcia Spain RM Castilla - Alvaro Rodriguez Uruguay/Spain Getafe End of Loan Reinier Brazil Granada End of Loan Departures summer window Lucas Vazquez has bid farewell to Real Madrid following the Club World Cup, with interest beginning to mount. The versatile Spaniard is attracting attention from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Qatar, as well as several sides in La Liga. Two exits have also been confirmed: Luka Modrić and Jesús Vallejo are no longer part of Madrid's plans moving forward. And they may not be the last. The club's sporting directors are weighing up additional departures as part of a wider squad shake-up this summer. Player Nationality New Club Fee Luka Modric Croatia AC Milan Free transfer Lucas Vazquez Spain Albacete Free transfer Jesus Vallejo Spain Without Club N/A
