Xabi Alonso 'personally requests' former Man United star as one of his first signings at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso is reportedly keen on making a former Manchester United player one of his first signings as Real Madrid boss.

Alonso, 43, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid for some time and will likely replace head coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 La Liga season.

Like most managers he will look to stamp his authority on the squad and could even bolster Los Blancos by introducing several new faces to the fold.

On Monday, journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Madrid’s transfer priorities this summer.

Xabi Alonso is linked with Real Madrid (Credit:Getty)

Romano wrote on X: "Real Madrid have decided to try to bring in a new centre back this summer, clear indication from Xabi Alonso accepted by the management."

He added: "The club also keeps looking for a new left-back as part of the transfer strategy.”

Bournemouth’s Netherlands-born Spain international centre-back Dean Huijsen has been heavily linked with a move to Real, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that “Real Madrid have activated the release clause in Dean Huijsen’s contract and are in the process of finalising a deal to sign the Bournemouth defender.

“The player’s representatives are in Madrid on Thursday, with discussions over personal terms — including contract length — now at an advanced stage”.

The Mail reports that Real are also in talks over a move for ex-Manchester United left-back and current Benfica star Alvaro Carreras.

Alvaro Carreras plays for Benfica (Credit:Getty)

Spanish outlet Relevo claim that the deal has been called for by Alonso himself and could be completed this summer.

Carreras, 22, joined United’s academy from Real in 2020 but failed to find his way at Old Trafford before loan spells at Preston, Granada and Benfica ensued, with his deal at the Lisbon club made permanent in 2024.

The Spaniard, who is contracted to Benfica until the summer of 2029, has produced four goals and five assists this term and boasts Champions League experience.

As reported by the MEN, United have a buy-back clause worth £15m inserted into Carreras’ contract.

Meanwhile, other clubs have to pay around £42.1m to trigger the left-back’s release clause. If he were to join Madrid, he would compete with the likes of Ferland Mendy and David Alaba for a place on the left side of Los Blancos' defence.