Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich: Deal agreed for Real Madrid midfielder
Former Spain international had been linked with a return to the Premier League
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Xabi Alonso is on the verge of completing a switch from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich, with a deal having been agreed "in principle".
The Spaniard, who yesterday announced he was quitting international football, is currently in talks with the German champions and is due to undergo a medical today.
Bayern financial director Jan-Christian Dreesen said earlier today that a deal had been agreed between the two clubs "in principle".
"We are in friendly and final talks with Real Madrid and hopefully we will reach an agreement in a day or two," Dreesen said at a news conference.
Bayern Munich also confirmed the news on their Twitter account.
The move will bring an end to a five-year spell at Real Madrid, which began when he left Liverpool.
There had been rumours that Alonso could return to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal among those linked with the midfielder.
The 32-year-old won the 2008 and 2012 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, and most recently lifted the Champions League.
Alonso will become the fifth Spaniard to play for Bayern, whose coach is another Spaniard, Pep Guardiola. Other Spaniards on the team are Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara, Pepe Reina and Juan Bernat.
Martinez is out for six months with a knee injury and Thiago is also not expected to return before October. In addition, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is out for several weeks with a lingering knee injury.
Despite the injury problems, Bayern won their Bundesliga opener 2-1 against Wolfsburg. They face a tricky visit to Schalke on Saturday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments