🚨 Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has identified three key positions to strengthen this summer following the FIFA Club World Cup: left-back, midfielder, and centre-forward, as reported by Fichajes.
Left-Back: Alonso is targeting Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras to bolster the left-back position. Negotiations have been ongoing, but Benfica’s demand for a premium fee, potentially the full €50 million release clause, has complicated the deal. The transfer is expected to be finalized post-tournament due to Carreras’ registration with Benfica for the Club World Cup. This move aligns with Alonso’s plan to sell either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy to make room for Carreras.
Midfielder: Despite earlier interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is set to join Arsenal, Real Madrid are not actively pursuing a new midfielder, as they believe their current options—Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga—are among the best in the world. However, Alonso’s initial request for a midfielder suggests he may revisit this need, potentially targeting players like Alexis Mac Allister, previously linked due to Alonso’s Liverpool connections. The signing of 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for €45 million, expected to join post-tournament, will add creativity but may not fully address the immediate midfield need.
Centre-Forward: Alonso seeks a traditional No. 9 to complement Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., who are less suited to the central striker role. With no new signing secured before the Club World Cup, Alonso plans to test Castilla’s Gonzalo Garcia in this role during the tournament. A potential target mentioned is Osasuna’s Ante Budimir, though no concrete moves have been confirmed.
These priorities reflect Alonso’s vision to address squad gaps after a trophyless 2024/25 season, building on the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
The focus on youth, tactical fit, and long-term planning underscores his strategy for Real Madrid’s resurgence.
