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Real Madrid travel to the Cartagonova on Monday, January 6, to face Deportivo Minera in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game buoyed by their 2-1 win over Valencia in the league.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is willing to wait for Los Blancos until 2026. Elsewhere, the LaLiga giants will face competition from the Premier League in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 6, 2025.
Xabi Alonso waiting for Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso is ready to stay at Bayer Leverkusen to facilitate a move to Real Madrid, according to journalist Rodra P. The Spanish manager is highly regarded in the European circuit and helped Bayer Leverkusen to a league and cup double last season.
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Recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos have identified him as the ideal successor for Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Italian manager's contract expires in 2026 but his future has been subject to speculation following a mixed season so far.
It has been suggested that the LaLiga champions could replace Ancelotti with Alonso at the end of this campaign. The former Real Madrid midfielder could be open to such an arrangement.
However, Alonso is also willing to stay at the BayArena for a while if Real Madrid want the keep Ancelotti until the end of his contract. Interestingly, should the Italian fail to win the league or the Champions League this season, the club could replace him with the Spaniard.
Los Blancos face Martin Zubimendi competition
Real Madrid will face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi, according to Fichajes.net. Los Blancos remain in the market for a new midfielder amid Aurelien Tchouameni's struggles.
The LaLiga giants opted against signing a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired last summer. Meanwhile, Luka Modric's contract also expires at the end of this season.
The Croatian is already in the final lap of his career and a new midfielder is fast becoming a priority at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have their eyes on Martin Zubimendi for the job.
The Spaniard has been outstanding for Real Sociedad in recent seasons and is reportedly ready for the step up this season. However, Arsenal and Liverpool could pose a threat to Los Blancos' plans. The player has a £51 million release clause in his deal.
Jesus Vallejo could be on his way this month
Real Madrid are considering Jesus Vallejo's departure this month, according to journalist Guillermo Rai. The Spanish defender is a forgotten man at the Santiago Bernabeu and isn't part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans.
Vallejo has just 10 minutes of first-team action under his belt this season, from one substitute appearance. He hasn't been considered in recent times despite the defensive mini-crisis currently gripping the club.
The 28-year-old's contract is all set to expire in six months and he hasn't been handed a new deal yet. It is now believed that Los Blancos are ready to offload him this month. The player is yet to make a decision on his future and was previously wanted at Getafe.
