One of the things that Xabi Alonso is clearest about for Real Madrid is that he wants to have a number 9 in the squad. In principle, it does not seem to be for the starting eleven, but rather for moments in the game when the situation is stuck and a striker is needed to break the deadlock, as was the case last season with Joselu, who was able to become an important player when the team needed him most.
Xabi Alonso and his arrival at Real Madrid
After Xabi Alonso confirmed his departure from Bayer Leverkusen and Carlo Ancelotti was named the new coach of Brazil, all that remains is for it to be made official that the Tolosarra coach will be the new Real Madrid coach, not just for next season, but for the Club World Cup, as the idea is for him to lead Real Madrid from the bench.
We will wait until the end of LaLiga, on May 25, for Xabi Alonso to take over from Ancelotti and get to work with the Real Madrid squad to prepare for the next Club World Cup.
Signings for Real Madrid
Real Madrid needs to make a series of signings to bolster the squad. No major changes are needed, as this season has shown that the Whites, despite numerous absences, have been able to fight until the last months of the competition, but it is clear that what they have is not enough and they need to strengthen the squad. In this regard, the defense is a priority and, in addition to the arrival of Alexander-Arnold to strengthen the right back position, a center back will also arrive—Dean Huijsen is the best placed—and a left back—Álvaro Carreras is currently the most likely option—and the intention is for them to be available for the Club World Cup.
But Real Madrid does not seem to be stopping there, as the idea is to also strengthen the midfield, where several names are being considered, although it will be difficult for them to arrive in time for the Club World Cup. The other request made by Xabi Alonso is to sign a pure number 9, a position that, when covered, has performed well at Real Madrid, and has been sorely missed when it has not been, as has been the case this season.
The number 9 that Xabi Alonso wants
Real Madrid has several strikers on its list that it could try to sign for next season. The one who could step up for next season is Gonzalo, a youth player who already settled the tie against Celta with a header when the match seemed destined for penalties. But what Real Madrid is looking for is a veteran player with experience who will not cost them a lot of money.
In this regard, one of the options is to sign Schick, a striker who has played under the Basque coach at Bayer Leverkusen. He is 29 years old and has several years of professional experience, and his track record could fit the characteristics that the white team needs. Due to his experience, Ajax striker Wout Weghorst, a prolific goalscorer who turns 33 in August, is also being considered. The latest player to join the list is 31-year-old Andrea Belotti, who plays for Benfica.
The idea is that the player who comes in should be established in professional football, come for a short time while waiting for some of the superstars to become available in the next few years, and understand perfectly what his role is within the team, as Joselu did when he arrived at Real Madrid. He should be inexpensive and not get nervous when he steps onto the field, and he should have nothing to prove.