Real Madrid News
Real Madrid managerial hopeful remains tight-lipped on future – ‘I can’t say anything’
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has firmly stated that his focus remains on the current season with the Bundesliga club.
Despite recent speculation linking him to a potential managerial role at Real Madrid, Alonso is fully committed to his responsibilities in Germany for now.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has made it clear that he is concentrating on the ongoing campaign, aiming to lead his team to success before thinking about his future.
Avoiding Real Madrid’s mention
Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title last season, addressed the rumours during a press conference ahead of their next league fixture against Heidenheim.
He emphasised that his immediate goals revolve around ensuring the team performs well until the end of the year and continues its progress into the following season.
“I can’t say anything else. It’s too early in the season. My focus is on the season at Heidenheim (Leverkusen’s next opponent), on playing well until December and next year and achieving our objective,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
While acknowledging the reports about his possible move to Madrid, Alonso prioritised his current role, insisting that the focus for both him and his players should be on having a strong season.
“My feeling is that having a good season and playing well should be the goals for me and the players,” he added.
Florentino Perez’s choice
The rumours linking Alonso to Real Madrid stem from his growing reputation as a manager and his historical ties with the Spanish giants. Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, is reportedly a strong admirer of Alonso’s managerial qualities.
He believes the Spanish tactician possesses the ideal combination of tactical expertise, leadership, media management, and charisma needed to succeed.
For now, Alonso remains focused on his job at Leverkusen, with a decision on his future expected in March 2025. Until then, he aims to honour his commitment to the German club and achieve their objectives for the season.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
