Alonso to bid Madrid farewell after Bayern strike agreement
Xabi Alonso is poised to complete his move to Bayern Munich after Real Madrid confirmed on Friday an agreement had been struck between the two clubs for the former Spain international.
Bayern’s financial director Jan-Christian Dreesen revealed on Thursday that an agreement for the 32-year-old midfielder had been struck ”in principle“, with the 2010 World Cup winner due in Munich later in the day for a medical and to discuss terms.
Madrid have now issued a statement confirming the deal, with Alonso set to bid his farewells to the European champions at a press conference this morning.
The statement read: “Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement for the transfer of Xabi Alonso.
“The player will appear before the media today at 11am (local time) at the Santiago Bernabeu press room, accompanied by the director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno.”
Official announcement: Xabi Alonso. http://t.co/k1jDrY2IRo pic.twitter.com/wyPeXFG0ir
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 29, 2014
Alonso, who has seen competition for a midfield berth at Madrid this summer increase with the signings of Toni Kroos - from Bayern - and James Rodriguez, will become the fifth Spanish player on the German giants' books together with Pepe Reina, Juan Bernat, Thiago and Javi Martinez.
Bayern on Wednesday completed the signing of Mehdi Benatia from Roma for a fee of 26 million euros and they were not expected to venture into the transfer market again this summer.
Alonso’s arrival could see Xherdan Shaqiri seek a move away from the club.
The Swiss international is attracting interest in Italy with Juventus and Inter Milan both keen on the former Basel midfielder.
