The Xabi Alonso era is set to kick off soon at Real Madrid with the Spanish tactician being announced as the new manager earlier this week, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.Alonso’s first assignment with

Real Madrid is planning to strengthen its midfield ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup by bringing back 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Nico Paz. The club sold him to Como last summer for €6 million but kept 50% of his rights and a buy-back clause.

Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the next manager of Real Madrid with the Spaniard's reign set to kick-off at this summer's Fifa Club World Cup. Alonso, 43, left his role as Bayer Leverkusen coach following their final Bundesliga game of the season – a 2-2 draw at Mainz – after two-and-half seasons in Germany.