Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid have completed three transfers so far this summer – but have missed out on three other goalkeepers.
Real Madrid have failed to secure any of the three players Alonso reportedly asked for when he was hired as manager less than a month ago.
Read: Arsenal turn away from Real Madrid star and throw themselves straight into signing battle with city rival Tottenham
Alonso has now had his first weeks as Real Madrid coach, and the Spaniard got a tough introduction during the Club World Cup.
While the trophy may not be as prestigious as the Champions League or national titles, all three of Real’s group games were sold out, and Alonso has fielded strengthened squads in all games so far.
Both Dean Huijsen (signed from Bournemouth) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (signed from Liverpool) have started all three games in the United States.
Franco Mastantuono has, however, agreed to join Los Blancos, but cannot officially sign until he turns 18 on August 14. He still represents Argentine River Plate in the tournament.
The three lost target players
According to Spanish AS, Real Madrid have failed to sign three other players Alonso reportedly asked for back in April.
- Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Alonso is said to have identified his compatriot as the best option to strengthen the midfield, despite the fact that the 25-year-old was in advanced negotiations with Arsenal.
It now looks like London will be his next destination, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that Zubimendi arrived in England last week to “complete the formalities” surrounding the transfer. - Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Alonso is also said to have asked president Florentino Pérez to sign the 22-year-old Leverkusen star, but Wirtz ended up signing for Liverpool for an initial sum of £100 million.
Wirtz admitted that he spoke to Alonso before making his decision, but stated that he is “very happy that I chose Liverpool”. - Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
The third player on the list was centre-back Jonathan Tah, whom Alonso coached for two and a half years at Leverkusen.
Tah’s contract expired this summer, and for several months there was speculation about where he would sign.
In May, it was reported that Alonso wanted to take him to the Bernabéu, but the 30-year-old has since signed for Bayern’s rivals Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
What now for Real Madrid?
Although Alonso has got some new players, he still lacks the profiles he originally wanted. It remains to be seen whether the club will attempt alternative signings or wait until the next transfer window.
Why has Real Madrid not succeeded?
- Zubimendi preferred Arsenal because of the sporting project.
- Wirtz chose Liverpool because of the higher salary and the status of the Premier League.
- Tah received a better offer from Bayern Munich.
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