Real Madrid have been touted as a possible future destination for Xabi Alonso, who has enjoyed outstanding success as Bayer Leverkusen manager.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for at least another year, after it initially appeared that he would depart at the end of this season.
This has raised speculation over who could eventually replace him, and former Real Madrid midfielder Alonso has turned down moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich for this summer, perhaps indicating that he is waiting for Ancelotti to depart Madrid to replace him.
Alonso is in his first senior managerial role at Leverkusen, and has brought them to a historic Bundesliga title victory, and are still in contention to win a Europa League and DFB Pokal treble, whilst remaining undefeated.
If he does eventually end up returning to Real Madrid as manager, he could bring some of his current stars with him, including a former Barcelona academy graduate.
Xabi Alonso could bring Bayer Leverkusen stars to Real Madrid
One of Alonso’s key players this season has been left-back Alex Grimaldo, who joined on a free transfer from Benfica last summer.
The 28-year-old came through the academy at La Masia, but 92 appearances for Barcelona B were not enough to force his way into the senior side, before moving to Benfica in 2016.
Despite his Barcelona connection, Grimaldo has now told Fichajes that he could be open to joining Real Madrid if Alonso moved there.
“If I’d go with Xabi to Madrid? We should see him at that point. It is clear that I have a very special relationship with him,” he stated.
“I have grown a lot as a player with him and I want to grow more with him and it is true that I would like to continue by his side, either at Bayer Leverkusen or wherever.”
Could Alex Grimaldo join Real Madrid?
Real Madrid already have Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Fran Garcia as left-back options, and are looking to upgrade on them with Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich.
If Alonso does move to Madrid, it will not be for at least a year, if not longer, by which point Grimaldo could be in his thirties.
The Spaniard has been outstanding going forward this season with 11 goals and 16 assists in 44 games, but a move does look unlikely for now, even if he is open to following Alonso back to Spain.