WHAT A SURPRISE! ALONSO DISCARDS 3 MUST-HAVES TO MAKE WAY FOR 4 FRESH NEW FACES!

Real Madrid may have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but that hasn’t stopped new manager Xabi Alonso from making waves within the club. With only two confirmed signings, Alonso is already working behind the scenes on reshaping the squad—and it’s causing a major stir in the dressing room.

The Spanish tactician, who took over the reins at the Bernabéu following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, is reportedly building a new-look starting XI that features both experience and youth. His early decisions have been nothing short of bold, as he prepares to phase out three fan favourites to make space for four exciting new talents.

The two signings already made—Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen—will reportedly walk straight into the starting lineup. Alonso has made it clear he sees the pair as vital pieces in his evolving tactical blueprint. Alexander-Arnold, a Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool, brings world-class passing and set-piece ability to the right side of defense. Huijsen, meanwhile, is seen as the future of Madrid’s central defense—tall, composed, and mature beyond his years.

But that’s not all. Alonso is also keen on two additional signings: Alvaro Carreras of Benfica and Franco Mastantuono of River Plate. Negotiations for both are already well underway. The plan is clear—Alonso wants these players integrated into the squad as soon as possible, with the idea that they will eventually be regular starters.

What’s fascinating is how far ahead Alonso is thinking. According to reports from Cadena SER, he already has a full starting eleven in mind—even if it won’t be implemented until after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. And this envisioned line-up is making headlines for who’s not in it as much as for who is.

The projected backline is especially telling. Courtois will remain in goal, naturally, but ahead of him, the defense will likely consist of Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras, and Alexander-Arnold. This setup would mark the first time in years that the veteran trio of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and even Éder Militão might all be left out of the primary XI.

In midfield, Alonso sees a three-man setup featuring Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and—surprisingly—17-year-old Franco Mastantuono. The decision to trust such a young and relatively unproven player at this level is audacious, to say the least. Mastantuono only recently broke into River Plate’s senior squad, but Alonso seems convinced by his intelligence and creativity.

Up front, the attacking trident of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, and Bellingham as a sort of roaming playmaker looks set to be the defining feature of Alonso’s new system. With such firepower and youth, the Real Madrid of the future could be both electric and unpredictable.

However, this shake-up comes at a cost. If Alonso follows through on this plan, it likely signals the end of an era for players like Carvajal, Alaba, and Militão—each of whom played major roles in Madrid’s most recent Champions League successes. Carvajal, in particular, is a product of the club’s academy and has served loyally for over a decade.

Even more dramatically, the inclusion of Mastantuono appears to push Rodrygo Goes and Arda Güler further down the pecking order. Rodrygo, who has long been touted as one of Madrid’s future stars, now faces the reality of fighting for minutes. Güler, a promising Turkish international, may be loaned out or relegated to a substitute role yet again.

River Plate have reportedly agreed to a deal worth around €45 million for Mastantuono, a hefty fee that reflects both his potential and Real Madrid’s urgency. Benfica, on the other hand, are holding firm on Carreras’ €50 million release clause. They are open to a payment structure, but Madrid will need to move swiftly to avoid competition from other top European clubs.

What’s most intriguing about Alonso’s approach is how fearless it is. Many new managers at elite clubs opt for gradual changes, leaning on veteran players during their transition period. Not Alonso. He is unapologetically ushering in a new generation, seemingly undeterred by the weight of Real Madrid’s history or the egos in his squad.

There’s also the matter of balance. With so many young players being handed key roles, Alonso risks inexperience disrupting Madrid’s bid for trophies. But with players like Courtois, Rudiger, and Mbappé offering leadership, Alonso may believe the dressing room can handle the generational shift.

The decision to discard three established names in favour of four new arrivals speaks volumes about Alonso’s vision. This isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a revolution. If successful, he could become the man to lead Real Madrid into a new golden era. If not, these early gambles could come back to haunt him.

Supporters, meanwhile, are divided. Some are excited by the boldness and modernisation of the squad. Others worry that beloved figures are being pushed aside too quickly. The Bernabéu has seen many changes before, but Alonso’s swift and sweeping actions feel like something different.

One thing’s for certain: the coming months will be crucial. The Club World Cup might arrive too soon for Alonso’s grand vision to take shape, but by the time La Liga kicks off, fans may see the birth of a very new Real Madrid.

In a club where expectations are always sky-high, Xabi Alonso isn’t just managing a team—he’s engineering a transformation. And if this plan works, it may be remembered as one of the most daring overhauls in Madrid’s storied history.