Says goodbye to Real Madrid to play with Guardiola, Xabi Alonso very disappointed

Florian Wirtz Turns Down Real Madrid for Guardiola’s Manchester City, Xabi Alonso disappointed as his former star chooses City over a potential reunion in Madrid

In what comes as a major blow for Xabi Alonso, Florian Wirtz, one of his most trusted players at Bayer Leverkusen, has taken a significant step toward joining Manchester City, turning his back on a potential move to Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso, set to lead a new era at the Spanish giants, had high hopes of bringing the 22-year-old German midfielder with him to the Bernabéu. Their bond, forged during Leverkusen’s historic double-winning season, seemed strong enough to make Wirtz a top target in Madrid’s summer rebuild.

However, Wirtz recently traveled to Manchester to meet Pep Guardiola, a clear indication of his growing interest in joining the Premier League champions. While Bayern Munich was also in the race, Wirtz’s visit to the Etihad suggests his intentions lie firmly with City.

A Painful Rejection for Xabi

Wirtz’s decision has reportedly left Xabi Alonso “very disappointed.” The Spanish coach had envisioned Wirtz playing a central role in his plans for revitalizing Madrid’s midfield—especially with legends like Toni Kroos departing and Luka Modrić nearing the twilight of his career.

Despite their strong relationship, Wirtz appears to have chosen Guardiola’s project over reuniting with Xabi at Madrid. The move reflects a personal ambition to evolve under Guardiola’s tutelage—possibly as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.

Wirtz’s Meteoric Rise

Since joining Leverkusen in 2020, Wirtz has established himself as one of the most gifted midfielders in world football. This past season alone, he racked up 16 goals and 15 assists, cementing his status as the driving force behind Leverkusen’s remarkable campaign under Alonso.

Given his form and age, Wirtz was a top target for several elite clubs. Real Madrid had kept close tabs on him, hoping to lure him with the chance to play for a legendary club under a familiar manager. Yet, the lure of Premier League football and the opportunity to learn from one of football’s greatest minds seems to have tipped the scales.

The Road Ahead

While the transfer is not yet official, signs point strongly to Manchester City securing one of the most valuable midfield talents in the game. For Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, it’s a stinging rejection—but one that may reshape the club’s transfer strategy moving forward.