Xabi Alonso has said "yes," and not to just anyone; the trendsetting coach has given his approval to a signing for Real Madrid. Many at Atlético consider this gesture a betrayal. The red-and-white club also had him on its radar, but Xabi Alonso has won the battle.
The footballer awaits instructions
Alejandro Grimaldo is the footballer who hopes to join Real Madrid soon. He has already clearly expressed his desire to join the white club. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back is certain that he wants to leave, and his main desired destination is Santiago Bernabéu.
He has openly told those close to him: "If they call me, I'll sign for Real Madrid tomorrow." Grimaldo has asked his agent for patience; he doesn't want to rush. He has offers on the table, even from Atlético de Madrid. He doesn't want to finalize anything while the white option is still alive, and if Xabi Alonso has given his approval, the puzzle fits perfectly.
Carreras: The other key piece
There's an obstacle; his name is Álvaro Carreras. The young Benfica full-back is Madrid's number one priority. He is currently focused on the Club World Cup, and the white club wants to finalize his signing right after that tournament.
Carreras has already made efforts to join Real Madrid. The club knows this and values that gesture, but Benfica, in the midst of an institutional crisis, blocked his departure in January. The president of the Portuguese club is on the ropes, and that has complicated negotiations.
That's why, although Carreras is the chosen one, Grimaldo isn't giving up. He keeps waiting for the call. He trusts that if Madrid doesn't finalize Carreras's deal, he'll be its plan B or a strategic signing for Xabi Alonso.
The Bernabéu magnet
The truth is that Real Madrid, as always, has the advantage. It doesn't matter if other clubs offer more money. The white jersey carries weight, and it carries a lot of weight.
Footballers like Grimaldo, Carreras, Theo Hernández, or Miguel Gutiérrez know it. They all dream of wearing that jersey. There's nothing greater than playing at Bernabéu and lifting trophies with Madrid's crest on your chest.
With the project that's being built, and now with Xabi Alonso on the horizon, the future looks white, very white. Meanwhile, while Atlético digests the news, in Chamartín they're already rubbing their hands together.