As Xabi Alonso prepares to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, Real Madrid is on the verge of ushering in a new managerial era.
The former midfield maestro, once a pivotal figure at the Santiago Bernabéu, is now the leading candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti and take the reins at one of football’s most storied clubs.
Much like Zinedine Zidane once stepped in to follow Ancelotti’s departure, Alonso now stands at a similar crossroads—ready to return to Madrid not as a player, but as the next commander of the Galácticos.
Alonso Only Wants Madrid: Rejected Other Elite Clubs
According to several reputable Spanish outlets, Alonso has made it clear that a return to Real Madrid is his top—and only—priority.
Despite interest from top clubs such as Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain, the 42-year-old has shown no interest in pursuing those opportunities. His heart is set on Madrid.
Florentino Pérez and the Real Madrid board reportedly see Alonso as the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. His deep understanding of the club’s values, tactical acumen, and recent success at Leverkusen make him a natural successor to Ancelotti.
Madrid Reluctant to Spend Big—Wirtz Reunion in Doubt
However, when it comes to reinforcing the squad, Madrid appears far more cautious. While they may be ready to invest in Alonso as a coach, they remain hesitant to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s valuation of their star midfielder, Florian Wirtz, Alonso’s on-field general.
The 21-year-old has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign, delivering outstanding performances across all competitions.
But with a price tag reportedly exceeding €100 million, Madrid may balk—despite Wirtz’s close ties to Alonso and his potential to become a long-term midfield linchpin.
Manchester City Enters the Race: Wirtz the “Next De Bruyne”?
Unlike Real Madrid’s reserved approach, Manchester City is aggressively pursuing Wirtz. Pep Guardiola has publicly praised the German prodigy, calling him a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, whose injuries and age have signaled the need for new blood in City’s midfield.
Wirtz’s game—marked by precise passing, intelligent positioning, and relentless energy—makes him a seamless fit for Guardiola’s high-possession, high-pressing philosophy.
His development in the Bundesliga mirrors De Bruyne’s own path to stardom, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Arsenal and Liverpool Also in Contention
City isn’t alone. According to The Mirror, both Arsenal and Liverpool have intensified their interest in Wirtz, with scouts frequently attending Leverkusen matches.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73998821/2203965284.0.jpg)
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title two years in a row. The Gunners are reportedly willing to break the bank to add a true midfield creator, someone who can provide structure and final-third brilliance—something Wirtz can offer in abundance.
Liverpool, under newly appointed Arne Slot, have already secured silverware and are now focused on rejuvenating their aging core. Wirtz is viewed as a future leader of their midfield rebuild. With a healthy budget and a clear tactical plan, the Reds are strong contenders in the race.
Wirtz Open to the Premier League
Crucially, Florian Wirtz himself is reportedly very open to moving to the Premier League. Sources close to the player suggest he admires the league’s pace, intensity, and tactical diversity.
He believes his skill set is well-suited to English football and sees the move as a natural step in his evolution.
Whether it’s Guardiola, Arteta, or Slot at the helm, Wirtz would benefit from working under elite tacticians who can refine his abilities and give him the platform to thrive on a global stage.
Leverkusen Facing a Potential Exodus
While Leverkusen hopes to extend Wirtz’s contract and even offer him a club-record salary, the environment may not be sustainable.
With Alonso expected to depart, and other key figures like Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba also weighing exits, Wirtz’s reasons to stay are dwindling.
Leverkusen’s management is reluctant to sell, but they understand that a blockbuster offer could prove irresistible—both for the club and the player.
One of the Summer’s Biggest Transfer Sagas Awaits
As the 2024 summer window approaches, Florian Wirtz’s future looms as one of the biggest stories.
Real Madrid may have initiated this domino effect with Alonso, but it’s Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool who seem most willing to invest in the next midfield superstar.
No matter where he lands, one thing is clear: Florian Wirtz is poised to become one of European football’s defining players of the next decade.
His next move? The football world is watching.
