The arrival of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid is not yet official, but it is an open secret. The Carlo Ancelotti era has come to an end after a season to forget, which has led to the Italian’s departure. He is heading to Brazil, where his signing has already been confirmed. The arrival of Xabi at the Santiago Bernabéu has excited Madrid fans, who are eager to see what changes the coach will make to make Real Madrid a competitive team again.
The signings of the Xabi era
That task has already begun with one signing confirmed and several more on the way. Dean Huijsen is now officially a Real Madrid player, or will be as of June 1. The young center back has signed until June 30, 2030, after the club paid a clause of almost $60 million. The Spanish international had been a target for Real Madrid for months and comes to fill an obvious need in the team’s defense, which has been a liability throughout the season.
For this reason, the signings that are on the way and about to be made official are also for the defensive line. On the one hand, there is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has already confirmed his departure from Liverpool and has been enjoying a farewell party in recent hours. For months, it has been considered a done deal that he will join Real Madrid to strengthen the right side of the defense, where the team has suffered greatly with the absence of Dani Carvajal and the poor performance of Lucas Vázquez.
On the other hand, on the opposite flank, the left-back position is about to be filled by Álvaro Carreras. Given the poor performance of Ferland Mendy and Fran García, the Whites were aware that they needed reinforcements and, after considering various names, they seem to have settled on the Benfica full-back, who knows the club well from his time in the youth academy.
Players awaiting Xabi’s decision
Beyond the new signings, Xabi Alonso will also have to decide on several hot potatoes involving players from the current squad who depend largely on the Spanish coach’s preferences and decisions. Poor performances, offers to leave, competition for places, and the need to make room for new signings put the future of several players at risk.
Thus, names such as Alaba, Rodrygo, Camavinga, and Mendy are in question. Firstly, there is the case of the central defender. With the arrival of Huijsen and the recovery of Eder Militao from injury, the Austrian is likely to take on a more secondary role and, given his high salary, the club is considering letting him go as his contract expires next year. In addition, his age and injuries are factors.
Another player who seems to be perpetually injured and has therefore performed poorly is Ferland Mendy. The player was a starter for Ancelotti, but in recent weeks there has been speculation that Xabi Alonso could prefer Fran García to compete with Álvaro Carreras. However, a double departure and a double signing cannot be ruled out.
Alonso will also have to decide on the future of Dani Ceballos and Camavinga in midfield. The coach has asked for the arrival of a new Toni Kroos and is said to have requested that Luka Modric stay on, which means that some of the names in midfield could be surplus to requirements.
Finally, the hottest topic is Rodrygo. The player’s performance has dropped considerably to the point that, given the interest from the Premier League, the Whites are considering selling the Brazilian striker as long as the offer is above 80-90 million. Xabi Alonso will have the final say.