:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37631168/454292808.0.jpg)
In quick succession, Bayern Munich have followed up their Mehdi Benatia transfer with another for Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The 32-year-old comes with a €7.5 price tag plus bonus payments based on Bayern's performance. The club has not released details on his contract, but previous reports have Alonso agreeing to a two-year deal.
"When Bayern Munich has interest in you, you can't waste any time and you should have the goal of reaching the big club," said Alonso [Bild]
Just 16 days after Javi Martínez tore his ACL, Bayern have brought in two experienced players to try to fill his void. The two transfers they made were very different, with Alonso being more of a short-term option.
"It was the best for us at the moment," Guardiola told the club website. "I'm happy that we have them with us. Both are very good for our club."
Alonso admitted that one of the reasons he decided to come to Bayern was because of Guardiola. He played against Guardiola managed teams 15 times at Real Madrid, and now the midfielder will be playing under Guardiola.
"Pep is a manager you have to look up to. His name has its own unique radiance," said Alonso. "He quickly achieved the inhuman in football. It is an honor for me to train under him. Of course he is also a reason for my transfer to Munich. Together we want absolute success.
Alonso is now playing in his third different domestic league. He started his career at Real Sociedad and moved to Liverpool in his early 20s. Real Madrid then snatched him up where has directed the midfield since. He has received all the club silverware one could possibly achieve, and now he has two German ones he will be chasing.
Guardiola will throw both of his new additions right into the fire, bringing Alonso and Benatia with him to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke 04. Both of them are available to play, although it is not clear if they are going to.
"Both are fit, both can play. Alonso played in the Spanish Supercup," said Guardiola [Bild]. "He passed his physical. Benatia has not played for a little longer, but they are okay."
New signing @XabiAlonso will wear the number 3 jersey at #FCBayern. Get his shirt now: http://t.co/hXJhnFUfHx pic.twitter.com/AMU0mVe6RZ
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 29, 2014