Xabi Alonso is clear that, after what he saw in the Club World Cup, something is wrong in midfield. Since Toni Kroos’ departure, Real Madrid has lacked a guiding light, an architect in midfield who can organize and build the team’s play while also fulfilling defensive duties and playing without the ball. The coach has asked for a signing, but the club’s demands are high, which makes the operation difficult, so Xabi Alonso is already working on a plan B with what he has in the squad.
The expensive signings they want
There has been much speculation in recent weeks about the arrival of the midfielder that Xabi Alonso has been calling for. The problem is that, while the coach wants a player of that profile now, the club is very clear that it will not sign anyone unless it is convinced, and the players who convince the club are exorbitantly priced and not for sale.
We are talking about Rodri, Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández.
First on the list is Rodrigo, who has been on Florentino’s wish list for years. The Manchester City player is not for sale, so his asking price would far exceed €100 million, making him almost impossible to sign. In addition, the club has doubts about his age and the serious injury he has just suffered, so they prefer to wait and see how he performs.
Alexis Mac Allister stands out among the midfielders wanted by Real Madrid. However, the Argentine is a key player at Liverpool and Arne Slot does not seem willing to let him go. That is why there is talk of €100 million for the Reds to start considering a transfer. It is still a very high transfer fee, but his performance and his age (26) would make him a good investment.
The same goes for Enzo Fernández, the other big name on the wish list. The player has shown his ability at Chelsea, who finished the season on a high, winning the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup. The English club is now asking for no less than €200 million for Enzo. This is almost impossible for Real Madrid unless they make a big sale like that of Rodrygo.
Xabi closes the door on Ceballos and Camavinga
With such unattainable market objectives, it is time to think about Plan B: make do with what you have. In this regard, Xabi Alonso has closed the door on Ceballos and Camavinga, who had offers to leave, but the club has made it clear that they are still needed.
The coach believes in the potential of both players and needs them in midfield, whether as starters or substitutes. As the coach said on August 4, we are starting from scratch and we will have to see what decisions are made and how the players earn their places.
Continue to improve Arda Güler
For the moment, the player who seems to have been chosen to be the architect is Arda Güler, who already played in that role in the Club World Cup, where he showed everything he can bring to the position in attack with his great vision, control of the ball, projection, and good striking in attack, as well as his signature through balls. The problem is that without the ball and in defensive duties, his performance is not as prolific, but Xabi Alonso has already made it clear that he will help him improve and that this improvement can come through playing.