Real Madrid are set for a managerial change which will have an impact on Manchester United’s summer plans.
In anticipation of the summer’s Fifa Club World Cup competition, Real Madrid are preparing a managerial switch that will see Xabi Alonso replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
Alonso has previously been linked to the United job, but the Spaniard is now set to take charge of the 15-time Champions League winners.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Alonso is ready to start work “immediately” meaning he will be in charge for the Club World Cup and can plan for the summer transfer window.
Xabi Alonso could beat Man United to Jonathan Tah
Signing a centre-back isn’t a top priority for United this summer but with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof leaving, Ruben Amorim might require more options at the back.
Ideally, United would like a cheap solution at centre-back and Ineos held talks with Jonathan Tah over a move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old defender is set to become a free agent this summer with Bayer Leverkusen wishing him farewell this weekend after their final Bundesliga game of the season.
Earlier this week, reports claimed United were “increasingly confident” about signing Tah, but Alonso’s confirmed move to Madrid could put a spanner in the works.
As reported by The Mirror, Alonso could look to bring Tah with him to Madrid as a free agent, inflicting a blow on United’s summer plans.
Jonathan Tah is a big admirer of Xabi Alonso
There is no doubt that Tah will have several offers on his table this summer, but whenever Madrid come calling, not many turn them down.
United did beat Madrid to Leny Yoro, but with Amorim’s side at risk of not being in Europe next season, the Red Devils could find it difficult to lure Tah to Old Trafford.
Especially as Tah has built up a strong relationship with Alonso at Leverkusen.
Following Leverkusen’s final Bundesliga game of the season, Tah spoke highly about Alonso.
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As quoted by A Sports, Tah said: “He’s got a certain aura, he’s a great coach and a great person. We can be thankful to him.”
Alonso has also called Tah one of the “world’s best defenders” in 2024 during their route to winning the Bundesliga without suffering defeat.
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