Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly driving a potential move for 21-year-old Real Madrid prospect Rafa Marin.
According to a report by German outlet BILD, Rafa Marin is the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso is driving a potential move for the 21-year-old defender heading into the summer transfer window. However, recent updates have suggested that Real Madrid might integrate him into the first-team squad next season.
Rafa Marin and his struggles to become a first-team regular
Rafa Marin has had to bide his time since graduating from the Real Madrid youth division a few years ago. A native of Guadajoz, the Spaniard passed through the academies at Alcolea, Centro Histórico, and Sevilla before passing out of La Fabrica. However, he has finally made his mark at the first-team level this season.
The 21-year-old joined Deportivo Alaves on loan for the 2023/24 season from Real Madrid last summer. And Marin has been one of the best performers for the Basque outfit, turning out 31 times across all competitions thus far this term. However, he will likely return to Real Madrid in the summer instead of completing a permanent move to Alaves.
Recent reports have painted a contrasting picture of Marin’s long-term future. While some have suggested that Real Madrid might integrate him into the first-team squad next season, others have claimed that Los Blancos might use him as a makeweight in a deal for one of the summer targets. The Spanish defender has emerged as a target for Bayer Leverkusen.
Bundesliga calling?
Xabi Alonso is driving Bayer Leverkusen’s move for Rafa Marin and wants the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions to land the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window. Amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Piero Hincapie and Jonathan Tah, Die Werkself can do with a new centre-back.
So, it is hardly surprising that Xabi Alonso wants Bayer Leverkusen to sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window. The Spaniard would have run the rule over his compatriot during his time with Real Sociedad B, with the Real Madrid loanee a viable target for the Bundesliga champions.
It is unclear whether Real Madrid will be open to parting ways with Marin on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window. For now, he has emerged as a target for Bayer Leverkusen, with Alonso keen on signing a centre-back.
