Xabi Alonso has officially parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen and is now fully focused on his next challenge: taking charge of Real Madrid after the Club World Cup in the United States.

Alonso is already planning for the future, as he prepares the squad for the 2025–26 season—a campaign in which he aims to restore the competitiveness that was lost last season and lead the team in pursuit of all major trophies.

In this effort, Alonso is working closely with club president Florentino Pérez, CEO José Ángel Sánchez, and director of football Juni Calafat. The trio is determined to reinforce the squad, especially after a season plagued by injuries.

Dean Huyssen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras are expected to be the first signings of Alonso’s era, although they certainly won’t be the last.

During a press conference following his departure from Leverkusen, Alonso remarked, “I can’t promise that I won’t bring in some Leverkusen players in my next stage.” His statement was a clear hint toward German midfielder Florian Wirtz, a long-time target of Real Madrid.

Alonso knows that both Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez have Wirtz high on their list of potential signings—alongside names such as Martín Zubimendi, Angelo Stiller, and Tijjani Reijnders.

As such, Alonso is reportedly pressuring the club’s leadership to prioritize a deal for Wirtz, a player he deeply admires and believes would be a key reinforcement for Real Madrid’s midfield.

According to sources, José Ángel Sánchez and other senior figures at the club have already been made aware of Alonso’s strong preference.

Alonso described Wirtz by saying: “He’s the best in his position. He offers exactly what we’re missing… He could win the Ballon d’Or,” in what many interpreted as a direct appeal to the club to move for the German star.

The main obstacle Real Madrid faces in this pursuit is the financial strength of Bayern Munich, which is reportedly ready to do everything possible to secure Wirtz’s signature. It is widely believed that Wirtz won’t stay long at Bayer Leverkusen, and Madrid’s board is increasingly aware of the need to act decisively.

To navigate this challenge, Real Madrid is exploring funding options beyond traditional transfer budget allocations—while relying on Alonso himself to help persuade his former protégé to make the move to the Santiago Bernabéu.