Xabi Alonso identifies next Real Madrid transfer target after Al Hilal draw and it's bad news for Man Utd

Real Madrid have reportedly identified their next transfer target, and it could have a negative impact on Manchester United.

New Real Madrid head coach, Xabi Alonso, took charge of his first game as Los Blancos boss on Wednesday and saw his side draw 1-1 with Al Hilal in the Club World Cup group stage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who signed from Liverpool on June 1, made his debut for the club as well as former Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.

Speaking about the duo’s performance, Alonso said: “First, I'd like to congratulate them, because this is a big day for them. Making a Real Madrid debut will surely have an impact on them. I'm thrilled because they have that personality, and they'll be important players for us. Having them here will give us added quality.”

However, Real Madrid’s business in the summer transfer window is far from complete.

Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid vs Al Hilal (Credit:Getty)

As reported by SER, Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has emerged as a possible target for Alonso, having previously coached him at the Bundesliga side.

Grimaldo, 29, was a key man in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 double-winning campaign during which Alonso led the club to the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal crown and Europa League final.

The Spaniard’s contract at Leverkusen is set to run until June 2027, and he could cost upwards of £25m based on Transfermarkt’s valuation.

It is unclear whether Leverkusen are willing to let him leave, but there’s no doubt that Grimaldo is a huge fan of Alonso.

Xabi Alonso and Alejandro Grimaldo at Bayer Leverkusen (Credit:Getty)

Speaking in 2023, while Alonso was still at the club, Grimaldo said: "He’s an incredible coach with a lot of passion for what he does. I really wanted to work with him, given the player he was. And now seeing him as a coach, he inspires every day with his passion and ideas, how he passes them on, and he’s taking Leverkusen upwards."

So, how could this impact Manchester United?

Well, Madrid had previously been linked with Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras, who was on United’s books from 2020 to 2024.

However, SER reports that Madrid’s attempt to sign him “fell through” ahead of the Club World Cup.

So, this could mean United miss out on part of any potential transfer fee as they have a reported 20 percent sell-on clause on any transfer fee received by Benfica in excess of £5m as per MEN.