Xabi Alonso informs a Real Madrid star that he must find a new club before August 31, or he will be completely left out of the squad next season!

Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso is quickly taking shape, and the changes are not just cosmetic—they’re structural and strategic. Together with club president Florentino Pérez, Alonso is conducting a comprehensive reshaping of the squad, and not every current player fits into the vision for the upcoming season.

According to Don Balón, one of the biggest names now at risk of being frozen out is French left-back Ferland Mendy. Once a key figure under Carlo Ancelotti, Mendy’s time in the Spanish capital could be coming to an abrupt end unless he secures a move away before August 31.

Mendy has reportedly been told in no uncertain terms that if he fails to find a new club during this summer window, he will be completely left out of Alonso’s squad plans for the 2025/26 campaign. The message is stark—and speaks volumes about the ruthless approach being adopted at Valdebebas.

The left-back position has been a concern for Real Madrid for a while, and Alonso is determined to modernize it. He has identified Álvaro Carreras—who is expected to join the team after the Club World Cup—as a key target for that role. Carreras is younger, more dynamic, and aligns more closely with Alonso’s tactical blueprint.

Unlike Mendy, Carreras offers both defensive solidity and an attacking outlet on the flanks. He has shown promise with his ability to push forward, support build-up play, and deliver crosses into dangerous areas—skills that Alonso values highly, much like the ones shown by Alejandro Grimaldo during his stint with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

While Fran García remains an option as a rotational backup, Mendy is viewed as increasingly expendable. Despite being named in the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, his inclusion is understood to be temporary and tactical rather than a sign of long-term faith.

Fitness issues have plagued Mendy throughout this past season, and his contributions have dwindled considerably. Although once praised for his defensive acumen and reliability, he now finds himself labeled as one-dimensional in an era that demands more from full-backs.

Alonso’s footballing philosophy emphasizes high energy, technical precision, and versatility. Full-backs in his system are expected to be comfortable in tight spaces, contribute to the attack, and support midfield overloads. Mendy’s inability to thrive in such a system is a major reason for the impending separation.

There’s also the broader issue of squad balance. Real Madrid are building toward a more youthful, faster-paced style, and Mendy’s injuries have not only cost him form but also limited his ability to keep up with the new demands being imposed by Alonso and his staff.

It’s a dramatic fall for a player who, not long ago, was considered indispensable. During the 2022/23 season, Mendy was one of Ancelotti’s most trusted defensive options, even starting in several critical Champions League matches. But the landscape at Real Madrid shifts quickly—and brutally.

Still, the Club World Cup presents Mendy with one last opportunity. If he can impress Alonso and the technical staff with a standout performance on American soil, he might force a reconsideration—though sources close to the club suggest that the door is already almost shut.

Behind the scenes, Real Madrid are actively seeking buyers. A return to Ligue 1 appears the most likely destination, with multiple French clubs reportedly keeping an eye on the situation. Mendy’s profile could attract interest from teams looking to solidify their defense with experience and European pedigree.

For now, the ball is in Mendy’s court. He has until the end of August to either convince Real Madrid of his continued value or secure an exit that suits both parties. Anything less, and he risks being completely sidelined.

The warning from Alonso is clear: this is a new Real Madrid, and sentimentality has no place in it. Players will have to fight for their spot—and those who don’t adapt will be left behind.

It also sends a broader message to the rest of the dressing room: status and history won’t guarantee you a role. Everyone starts from zero under Xabi Alonso, and merit will be the only currency that matters moving forward.

With big ambitions for both domestic and European success next season, Alonso is wasting no time trimming the fat. And as Mendy has learned, even past glories won’t shield you from the consequences of falling behind.

The countdown to August 31 has begun—and for Ferland Mendy, the clock is ticking louder than ever.