Goodbye Real Madrid… Pérez surprises everyone with a bold decision to sell 5 stars at once for €204 million, and Xabi Alonso gives the green light!

Real Madrid is preparing to turn the page on one of its most iconic managerial eras, as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to step down following years of glory and trophy-laden campaigns. The Italian tactician, hailed as the most successful coach in the club’s history in terms of silverware, will officially bid farewell after this weekend’s match. Though the farewell is emotional, it marks the beginning of a new, potentially transformative era.

In the background of Ancelotti’s departure, there is a growing buzz surrounding the anticipated arrival of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s next head coach. While his appointment has not yet been formally announced, Alonso has been dropping hints about his readiness. “I want to work where I can be happy, where I can grow, and with a team ready to fight,” he said recently—words that many believe foreshadow his move to the Bernabéu.

As the coaching baton is prepared for a handover, club president Florentino Pérez and general director José Ángel Sánchez are wasting no time reshaping the squad for the 2025–26 campaign. The duo is spearheading a bold dual-track approach: bringing in fresh talent while simultaneously clearing out high-earning players no longer seen as vital to the club’s future plans.

While transfer speculation has focused on exciting potential arrivals like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Juventus’ rising star Dean Huijsen, and Spanish full-back Álvaro Carreras, the more dramatic story lies in the exits. Real Madrid is reportedly on the verge of a massive clear-out that could bring in €204 million through a combination of transfer fees and salary savings.

According to a detailed report by Defensa Central, five high-profile players are poised to leave the Santiago Bernabéu. These exits are not just about financial relief—they’re part of a calculated restructuring effort approved by Xabi Alonso himself, who wants a leaner, more dynamic squad tailored to his vision.

The first name on the list is Ferland Mendy. While he has served the club faithfully, the French full-back is set to be offloaded for a transfer fee of €20 million. His departure would also save the club around €12 million in gross wages, for a total economic impact of €32 million.

A bigger surprise is the inclusion of David Alaba, the versatile Austrian defender. Although a fan favorite and leader in the backline, Alaba’s recurring injuries and high salary are reportedly behind the decision to move on. The club would save approximately €25 million by cutting his wages from their books.

Lucas Vázquez, a long-time servant of the club known for his utility role on both wings, is also on the exit list. His salary reduction alone will save the club €10 million, though his departure is likely to be handled with utmost respect given his history with the team.

Dani Ceballos is another player expected to be moved. Still young and talented, the Spanish midfielder has not managed to secure a consistent starting role. With interest from several La Liga sides, Madrid expects a transfer fee of €20 million and will also free up €11 million in wages—totaling €31 million in financial benefit.

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping decision of all is the potential sale of Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes. Despite being a key player in many crucial matches, the club believes his sale could yield a windfall of around €90 million, in addition to €16 million in saved wages. This single move would account for over half of the projected €204 million target.

Florentino Pérez’s strategy, though bold, is rooted in ensuring Real Madrid remains both financially sustainable and tactically competitive. The exits will not only lighten the wage bill but also create room for emerging stars and marquee signings that better fit the club’s evolving football philosophy under Alonso.

Insiders say that Alonso, a former Madrid midfielder with deep tactical acumen, has already reviewed the squad and given the green light for these changes. He envisions a team that is younger, faster, and more aggressive—capable of adapting to both the grind of La Liga and the intensity of Champions League nights.

For the fans, this summer promises to be one of the most emotional and eventful in recent memory. While the departure of long-serving players will stir feelings of nostalgia, the promise of a new footballing identity under Alonso brings hope. If all goes according to Pérez’s plan, Real Madrid could enter the 2025–26 season reborn—not just as a club that honors its past, but one that is ready to dominate the future.