Xabi Alonso wanted Liverpool transfer target as Real Madrid rejected request

Xabi Alonso's seven-month tenure at Real Madrid has ended with the former Liverpool midfielder departing after the Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, with his failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi reportedly a factor

Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso's spell at Real Madrid has come to an end after merely seven months, with the Spanish giants deciding to make a change in management – and from the outset, he never enjoyed the complete backing of Florentino Perez.

The Los Blancos president has never shied away from making bold decisions, and Alonso was put forward to him when he looked for Carlo Ancelotti's replacement. The pair could hardly be more contrasting – one a manager, the other a coach, and the Real squad never fully embraced his approach.

No Galacticos were brought in during the summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold's free transfer from Liverpool perhaps being the most noteworthy piece of business, but Alonso saw one of his specific transfer targets rejected by those above him.

He was eager to pursue Martin Zubimendi, the Spain international who now finds himself at Arsenal. Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer of 2024 before deciding to stay in Spain for another year.

The midfielder had progressed through the academy at Real Sociedad, just as Alonso himself had, and was always destined to depart in the summer.

However, BBC Sport reports that Real failed to act upon Alonso's request, allowing Arsenal to swoop in. The 44-year-old wanted a midfielder; not only did he miss out on his primary target in Zubimendi, but he also failed to secure anyone in that role.

Former Liverpool transfer target Martin Zubimendi joined Arsenal last summer(Image: Getty Images)

Zubimendi had previously expressed his admiration for Alonso; had an approach materialised, the 26-year-old may well have pushed to play under a man he described as his "idol."

He previously said about Alonso: "I've always said that he was my idol and that for me it was a stroke of luck that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year. I don't like to talk about those hypotheses; I like to talk about the present."

Zubimendi has netted three goals in 27 appearances for the Gunners, playing a key role in their strong position at the summit of the Premier League and in the Champions League.

The Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona ultimately sealed Alonso's fate, despite arriving at the Bernabeu with an impressive pedigree after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory - remarkably toppling Bayern Munich along the way.

He departs with Real still firmly in contention in La Liga, though trailing Barcelona by four points.

Speculation has long surrounded Alonso's potential move to the Premier League.

He was expected to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield before the club chose Arne Slot instead.

Manchester United is currently in the process of appointing interim manager Michael Carrick, while Thomas Frank continues to face mounting pressure at Tottenham.