In a significant development at the Santiago Bernabéu, new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly met privately with three key players — Luka Modric, Arda Güler, and a third undisclosed star — to begin planning the club’s strategic vision for the 2025/26 season.
This exclusive meeting marks Alonso’s first internal step as he prepares to officially take over from Carlo Ancelotti. The goal: to blend the club’s deep-rooted heritage with the next generation of talent, laying the groundwork for a new era at Los Blancos.
Modric: Legendary Influence Still Central to Madrid
At 39, Luka Modric remains a core leader in the Madrid dressing room, starting 25 matches this season despite his age. His contract is due to expire in June 2025, but reports suggest Alonso has made a last-minute request to the club’s hierarchy to extend Modric’s stay for one more year, citing his leadership as crucial during this transitional phase.
Sources close to the club indicate Modric is keen to continue, and negotiations for what could be his 14th season with Real Madrid are underway.
Arda Güler: Rising Star Gains Alonso’s Trust
Arda Güler, the 20-year-old Turkish sensation, is viewed by Alonso as a future cornerstone of the midfield. Despite limited minutes under Ancelotti, Güler has recently impressed — especially in a 3–2 win over Celta Vigo where he notched an assist.
Alonso reportedly sees Güler as a versatile asset capable of playing in a double pivot or as an attacking midfielder, potentially succeeding Modric in the long run. His technical skill and vision are seen as key tools for Madrid’s evolution.
The Mystery Third Player
The identity of the third player in the meeting remains undisclosed, adding an air of intrigue. Speculation ranges from a current first-team regular to an academy prodigy being fast-tracked into Alonso’s plans.
Tactical Vision and Staff Overhaul
Alonso is said to be approaching his role with a clear tactical mindset. This early interaction reflects a desire to establish unity and clarity within the squad, aligning veterans and youth under a shared long-term vision.
Drawing from his success at Bayer Leverkusen — where he developed stars like Florian Wirtz — Alonso appears set to implement a similar mentorship-based model, with experienced players guiding the new generation.
Tough Decisions Ahead
With contracts of Lucas Vázquez and Jesús Vallejo expiring, and uncertainty looming over Rodrygo Goes, Alonso faces difficult squad decisions. Reports suggest he may shift away from a 3-4-3 system, potentially leading to tactical reshuffles.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and emergence of Güler could create intense competition in attack, possibly leading to high-profile departures. Alonso is also believed to be considering promotions from the Real Madrid youth system, with names like Joan Martínez being closely monitored.
A New Era Begins
As Real Madrid approaches the final stretch of the La Liga and Club World Cup campaigns, Alonso’s proactive planning is igniting optimism among fans. The blend of Modric’s timeless experience and Güler’s youthful promise captures the essence of Real Madrid’s evolving identity.
With other incoming stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold and the pressure of managing a star-studded, crowded midfield, Alonso’s early steps suggest he’s ready to steer Mad
rid into a new chapter of dominance.
