Weight is gathering behind Xabi Alonso’s recruitment plans for Real Madrid now that his imminent departure from Bayer Leverkusen has been confirmed, with Martin Zubimendi and Jonathan Tah singled out as top targets despite extensive competition for both players.

There has been no announcement regarding an expected return to the Bernabeu, where Alonso spent five seasons as a player between 2009 and 2014, with Carlo Ancelotti still in position and no official communication about his future.

But Ancelotti is set to leave after a disappointing season, swiftly moving on to become the new head coach of the Brazil national team going into next year’s World Cup.

Alonso’s wishlist is drawn from players he already knows well. AS writes that his two primary targets are Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah.

It is hoped that two-pronged plan of attack will address a failure to replace Toni Kroos following his retirement last summer, and losing out to Manchester United in the pursuit of Leny Yoro.

This is also not the first time that reports from Spain have identified the pair as Alonso’s preferred signings, with another report at the start of May naming Zubimendi, Tah and Florian Wirtz.

Alonso is understandably well aware of Tah’s strengths. The Germany defender was a key component of the Leverkusen side that finally lifted a first ever Bundesliga title last season, completed an unbeaten domestic double, and reached the Europa League final.

The 43-year-old coach has also worked closely with Zubimendi before, as Real Sociedad B boss.

However, there is expected to be fierce competition for both players.

Tah, who is about to hit the free agent market, has been heavily linked with cash-strapped Barcelona. But taking advantage of free transfers has been a major strand of Madrid’s recruitment strategy in recent years, particularly when it comes to centre-backs. It had been their hope to get Yoro as a free agent in 2025, before Manchester United offered Lille big money.

Zubimendi, meanwhile, is an Arsenal target, with strong suggestions that the Gunners are close to sealing a deal as they prepare to trigger a €60m release clause. Whether Alonso’s sudden presence in Madrid is enough to break a reported verbal agreement remains to be seen.