In addition to a change on the Real Madrid bench, as well as a new scheme and playing style, such as the freshness implemented by Xabi Alonso in his successes with Bayer Leverkusen, the idea of the Madrid board was none other than to look for an organizer.
Xabi Alonso is looking for a ‘number 5’ midfielder, but Real Madrid will not make any expensive signings
In other words, a player who can play in the number 5 position, as Modric did. This is where, while the Club World Cup is being played, the frantic work in the Valdebebas offices continues ahead of next season.
The reality is that finding a defensive midfielder, a ‘five’ for Xabi Alonso’s new project, is proving more difficult than initially anticipated. And for no other reason than that, at this moment in time, Real Madrid is not willing to spend huge amounts of money. And not precisely because its finances do not allow it, but because the club’s accounts need to be balanced in terms of transfer spending.
This is especially true given that Mbappé was signed last summer and Alexander-Arnold this summer. Although they arrived on free transfers, they are not exactly cheap in terms of wages.
Real Madrid is looking for young, reliable talent at relatively affordable prices.
For this reason, and after considering all the options for signing a quality midfielder, Xabi Alonso already knew that he was going to opt for a transfer policy focused on young players with a future… but who are inexpensive. If possible, very cheap. That is why, at first, the arrival of Florian Wirtz, whom the Tolosa-born coach had at Bayer Leverkusen, was ruled out, as he had a clause that reached 150 million euros. In fact, it was Liverpool who paid that amount for the German.
In the meantime, the club itself has opted to consider other names who, although not yet recognized as world-class, have a lot of potential for the future and, for now, are affordable for Florentino Pérez.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, from PSG (€55 million)
The first of these, leaving aside others such as Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister, who are valued at no less than €90 million, is a player who is highly regarded in France and who has excelled in the Champions League with PSG. He is 19-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The Frenchman, one of the big names in Luis Enrique’s revitalized and powerful Paris Saint-Germain, would be a valuable signing for Xabi Alonso, from a footballing point of view. After making his professional debut in 2022, he became the youngest player in history to wear the PSG shirt.
Quickly called up by Didier Deschamps, he is also the youngest French international since 1914. These records of precocity speak volumes about his potential. He could quickly become a very interesting player for what Real Madrid is looking for in the number 5 position.
Capable of playing in front of the defense or as a defensive midfielder, he is the quintessential versatile midfielder, and his potential is limitless.
The Parisian, one of the most promising players in his position, has a release clause of $55 million. Given the negotiations with Mbappé, the talks could be tough. But for many, it would be extremely important for Real Madrid to have a player of his caliber.
Samuele Ricci, Torino (between $20 million and $40 million)
In his case, solving the problem that has persisted at Real Madrid since Kroos’ departure and the gap that Modric will leave after the Club World Cup could lie in signing players such as Samuele Ricci, who has excelled at Torino.
The Italian, who is just 23 years old, has earned himself a coveted place in Italy, where he has even been selected for the national team. One of his big appearances was at the European Championship and in the penultimate Nations League. The Torino midfielder shone in the playmaker role, organizing Italy’s play… and proving that his growth is real.
In this sense, he is no stranger to Real Madrid, who have been following the player for three years and want to sign him this summer. Ricci is one of the names being mentioned most in the Valdebebas offices and was particularly liked by Carlo Ancelotti. However, he could also end up with Xabi Alonso on the bench.
He is also highly sought after by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City. He plays as a pivot and could be the solution to Real Madrid’s problems in that position. Since his arrival at the Italian club, his market value has risen steadily from €12 million to €28 million. To sign him, Real Madrid would have to pay between €20 and €40 million.
Nicolás González, Porto (€40 million)
Another player well known to Real Madrid for the number 5 position is Nicolás González. This is because, years ago, the current Porto player was in talks between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona when he was at Valencia.
Born in Coruña, he came up through the Barça youth system, but due to a lack of opportunities to make it into the first team, the club loaned him to Valencia in 2022. There he established himself and, when the time came for Barça to re-sign him, Portuguese side Porto stepped in to sign him for $9 million in 2023. It was a necessary step to prove his enormous quality. The player made an immediate impact with the ‘Dragons’, becoming a regular starter in midfield and showing all his qualities.
The player has taken an important step in his career, becoming an indispensable member of Martín Anselmi’s team and pulling the strings in midfield. As he has said on several occasions, his past at Barça would not be a problem for him signing for Real Madrid, and Xabi Alonso’s side have not raised any objections to his arrival, which they are very keen on. His price tag is $40 million.