Bayern Munich completed the signing of 32-year-old Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso for 10 million euro. The Spaniard spurred interest from several clubs this summer, but in the end decided to join Bayern Munich. Alonso has played a total of 158 games and scored four goals during his five years at Madrid and helped the team win many trophies including the Champions League title last season.
After the departure of Toni Kroos and the serious injury of Javi Martinez, which will have him sidelined for the remainder of the year, Bayer Munich had a need for another central midfielder, so coach Pep Guardiola decided to acquire a player he is familiar with. Xabi Alonso played some good matches against Pep’s Barcelona in the past years, and it is expected that his quality, experience, and determination should help Bayern’s effort to repeat the treble they won two years ago.
Since the veteran player has retired from the national team at the end of the World Cup, he will have some time to get accustomed to his new club before the expected debut against VfB Stuttgart in two weeks time.
More exciting news coming from Madrid near the transfer deadline – Javier Hernandez will be joining Real Madrid on a season-long loan with a buy-out clause at the end of a season.
Popular “Chicharito” didn’t get much playing time in his last year in the Premier League usually coming off the bench, and since the arrival of Radamel Falcao to Manchester, it became clear that he is no longer in the plans of United’s new manager Louis Van Gaal.
Madrid were on a lookout for a new backup striker ever since Alvaro Morata left the club to join Juventus earlier this summer. Adding Hernandez should bring more depth to the squad and a reliable option off the bench, and Chicharito’s speed should be well utilized in coach Ancelotti’s style of play.
During his media outing at the new club Hernandez stated that he was very happy and that his arrival to Santiago Bernabeu is a dream come true. Asked about the role he will have in his new team, Chicharito said that all he can do is work hard, and emphasized that, at the end of the day, it’s the trophies that count.
Hernandez will have a chance to debut in the Madrid derby after the national team break.
