After Club World Plans

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. For the left-back role, Alonso is targeting Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras. Negotiations are ongoing, but Benfica’s demand for a premium fee—potentially the full €50 million release clause—has slowed progress.

The transfer is expected to be finalized after the tournament, with either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy likely to be sold to make room. In midfield, Real Madrid had initially shown interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but he is set to join Arsenal. The club believes their current options—Valverde, Tchouameni, and Camavinga—are among the best, but Alonso may still push for reinforcements.

The signing of 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for €45 million adds creativity, though he may not immediately solve the midfield need. Alonso could revisit targets like Alexis Mac Allister, given his Liverpool connections. Up front, Alonso wants a traditional No. 9 to complement Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., who are not natural centre-forwards. With no new striker signed before the Club World Cup, Castilla’s Gonzalo Garcia will get a chance to prove himself.

Osasuna’s Ante Budimir has been loosely linked, but no concrete moves have been made. Alonso’s focus is on balancing youth development with immediate squad needs. These plans come after a trophyless 2024/25 season, with Alonso aiming to rebuild the squad strategically. The signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen already signal a shift in direction.

Alonso’s approach emphasizes long-term planning, tactical flexibility, and integrating young talent. The Club World Cup will serve as an early test of his vision. Real Madrid’s resurgence under Alonso will depend on how well these transfers materialize and how quickly the squad adapts to his system. Fans are eager to see if these moves will restore the club’s dominance in European football.