Xabi Alonso is preparing to make his fourth signing at Real Madrid less than a month before the start of the Club World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he’ll leave Real Madrid at season’s end to coach Brazil, and club legend Xabi Alonso—fresh off announcing his exit from Bayer Leverkusen—is expected to succeed him. According to a new report, Alonso is already planning his fourth big signing to overhaul Madrid’s back line before the Club World Cup begins in the U.S. in a few weeks, aiming to debut the newcomers in that tournament.
Xabi Alonso hasn’t even been unveiled at the Bernabéu yet, but—assuming he succeeds Carlo Ancelotti—he’s already lining up a fourth summer recruit before Real Madrid head to the Club World Cup in the United States next month.
After Bournemouth centre‑back Dean Huijsen, soon‑to‑be free agent Trent Alexander‑Arnold, and Benfica left‑back Álvaro Carreras, Madrid’s next target is a familiar face: 20‑year‑old midfielder Nico Paz. The academy product was sold to Como last year, yet his recent form has convinced the hierarchy to bring him straight back to bolster a defence‑and‑midfield rebuild Alonso wants in place for the tournament.
Real Madrid can re‑sign Nico Paz with minimal fuss thanks to a €9 million buy‑back clause inserted when he was sold to Como for €6 million. The 20‑year‑old Argentine has become integral to Como’s midfield, logging 34 Serie A games this season with six goals and nine assists. His performances have drawn interest from Inter Milan and others, but he now looks set to be the next piece in Xabi Alonso’s planned rebuild at the Bernabéu.
