Football Leaks, the website which has released player contracts and confidential documents in order to maintain transparency in the world of football, has managed to get their hands on Xabi Alonso’s transfer deal from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich.
Alonso joined Bayern Munich on 29th August 2014 on a two-year deal, for a transfer fee that was undisclosed till now. He made his debut on the very next day. Later, on 18 December 2015, the Spaniard signed a new deal with Bayern Munich, keeping him at the club until 2017.
The documents revealed that Real Madrid received only nine million euros for the holding midfielder, who was 32-years-old at the time of transfer. The total transfer fee was divided into three parts.
According to the report, Bayern paid Real Madrid 7.5 million euros in two installments (the first installment being four million euros and the second being 3.5 million euros). This was accompanied by another 1.5 million euros which was to be paid after the Spaniard had played 30 games for the German side.
The unusual addition only seems to indicate that the Bavarians were not entirely sure about Alonso’s fitness and his ability to perform.The agreement also confirmed that the two clubs would play a friendly before the 2017-18 season and the game would be hosted by Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A total transfer fee of nine million euros may not seem much at first by today’s standards. However, if the age of the player is to be considered then this was a pretty hefty amount. It is always tough for players to fit into a completely different surrounding, and especially when age is not on your side.
The purchase of Alonso for such an amount was a huge risk on the Bavarian’s part. However, the World Cup winner’s performance, ever since he joined up with Bayern, has gradually improved making this deal extremely profitable for both parties involved.