According to reports, Xabi Alonso, the future manager of Real Madrid, has sparked a transfer competition with Barcelona by targeting Jonathan Tah, the Bayer Leverkusen defender, as a key reinforcement for Real’s backline.

Strengthening the center-back position is one of Real Madrid’s top priorities for next season, and Tah, who has played under Alonso at Leverkusen for three seasons, is an attractive option due to his outstanding performances and his contract expiring in June.

Alonso announced on Friday that he would leave Leverkusen at the end of the season. Although he has not officially confirmed his next destination, his contract with Real Madrid is ready to be signed. This move will initiate major changes at Real, including in the transfer market. For the center-back position, while Dean Huijsen is the primary target, Tah has caught Alonso’s attention due to his experience and attributes, including his 1.95m height and ball-playing ability. Tah has been at Leverkusen since 2015 and has been a key part of Alonso’s three-man defensive system, which has been central to the team’s recent success.

However, signing Tah presents challenges. Barcelona has also been monitoring the German defender for months, and the competition between the two Spanish giants could complicate matters. Fernando Carro, Leverkusen’s CEO, joked at the Laureus Awards that he asks Tah daily about his next destination, and Tah has promised to inform the club before making a final decision. These remarks highlight the widespread interest in Tah.

Real Madrid has faced defensive issues this season due to injuries to Militao and Alaba’s unsuccessful return. The emergence of Raul Asensio and the versatility of David Alaba have been positives. For next season, Real plans to solidify their defense with Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Asensio, and Juan Martinez (who is recovering from injury), but adding Tah could provide greater depth and quality.

Alonso, who has finalized his coaching staff (with Sebastian Pareja as assistant) and a two-year contract (with an extension option) with Real, has shown he is ready to make significant changes to implement his philosophy in Madrid. This transfer battle signals the beginning of a new rivalry between Real and Barcelona this summer.