Xabi Alonso Prioritizes Bayer Leverkusen Star Jonathan Tah in Real Madrid Defensive Overhaul

Xabi Alonso Plots Defensive Revolution at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's backline is about to get a major shake-up. Xabi Alonso, fresh off a three-year stint leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, is already planning his first big moves at the Santiago Bernabéu—even before he officially replaces Carlo Ancelotti. Sources say Alonso has pinpointed German international Jonathan Tah as his Real Madrid rebuilding cornerstone.

If you watched Los Blancos this season, you probably noticed defenders spending more time sidelined than on the pitch. Injuries ripped holes in the backline, and inconsistent performances left Ancelotti digging deep into the bench. Fans have been vocal about the need to fix the defense. Alonso, having watched his own Leverkusen squad thrive on a rock-solid structure, wants to import some of that stability to Madrid.

Tah, at 27, isn’t just some up-and-coming prospect—he’s the backbone behind Leverkusen’s incredible run, combining pace, composure, and leadership. Those aren’t qualities you find at the corner store. Rumblings behind the scenes suggest Real Madrid might sweeten the deal with a player swap to make Leverkusen’s loss a bit less painful. Whether this involves cash, a fringe player, or even part of Alonso’s exit agreement is still being hashed out.

Shifting Priorities and Star-Studded Targets

Alonso’s wishlist didn’t start with Tah. He made a pitch for Leverkusen’s creative midfielder, Florian Wirtz, but Wirtz seems set on Bayern Munich—Madrid’s checks and charm offensive couldn’t compete. That pivot made Tah leap to the top of Alonso’s radar. Other defensive names floated in Madrid’s corridor walls? William Saliba of Arsenal. But the English club slammed the door on any talk of a transfer, reminding everyone which players are truly untouchable.

Meanwhile, the defensive merry-go-round keeps spinning. Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearly a done deal, giving Madrid another weapon going forward from right-back. But expect to see some familiar faces leaving to make room. Jesus Vallejo is lining up a move away, and Lucas Vázquez isn’t sure if he fits the club’s plans. There’s also the elephant in the room: is this really the end for Luka Modrić, the midfield maestro who’s defined an era?

Ancelotti’s curtain call comes on May 25. After that, Alonso steps into the pressure cooker, taking control of a team with big ambitions and a demanding fanbase. Summer promises drama off the pitch as much as on it. With players shifting, contracts negotiated, and strategies debated, Alonso’s first months will be a whirlwind. His goal is clear: bring new energy and a defensive foundation strong enough for Real Madrid to chase glory again. Tah could easily become the symbol of this new era.