After Xabi Alonso was long considered the favourite to succeed Thomas Tuchel at FC Bayern, it is now clear that the Spaniard will also be on the sidelines at Bayer Leverkusen next season. Due to the fact that FCB came away empty-handed with Alonso, the German record champions are threatened with the next transfer setback.
Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad was already a transfer target for FC Bayern last winter. The Spanish midfielder was said to be the favoured solution for the vacant position in defensive midfield. However, the signing of the 25-year-old now appears to be a distant prospect. As transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports, the record champions‘ chances have worsened considerably as they have failed to make a move for Xabi Alonso.
Bayern’s endeavours depend on new coach
According to Romano, Bayern no longer appear to be the favourites to sign Zubimendi. Arsenal FC are currently leading the race for the defensive midfielder. While FC Barcelona have already dropped out of the race, Munich’s interest depends entirely on the new coach. As Romano explains, if they had signed Alonso, they would have been downright aggressive in their pursuit of the Sociedad star.
It therefore appears that Munich will have to adapt their transfer strategy for the summer. At least one defensive midfielder is to be definitively signed in the upcoming transfer window, with Zubimendi previously considered the absolute favourite. In addition to the search for a coach, the Bayern bosses will now also have to intensify their search for a new six-man.