With Carlo Ancelotti set to take over the Brazilian national team in June, Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid is on the brink of a historic turning point. With Carlo Ancelotti set to take over the Brazilian national team in June, Xabi Alonso is poised to become the new head coach of a star-studded squad looking for a fresh start. The former midfielder, beloved in Madrid for his football intelligence and leadership, is not wasting any time. His initial demands have already stunned even the most established members of the locker room.

🎯 Two Positions Targeted, Attack Deliberately Ignored

According to reliable sources close to the club, Alonso has recently submitted a short but ambitious list of priorities to Florentino Pérez for the summer transfer window. Contrary to what many expected, the Spaniard did not mention the attacking department, despite the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the fierce competition among Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz. His stance is clear: “We have the attack. What we lack is a solid base to support it.”

In line with this philosophy, Alonso has made two specific requests: a new left-back and one or two experienced midfielders. He believes that Ferland Mendy has not provided the necessary guarantees this season, while Fran Garcia remains too inexperienced for major challenges. Regarding the midfield, the potential departure of Luka Modric forces the club to prepare for a deeper transition.

🧠 The Midfield: The Core of Alonso’s Project

“A strong midfield wins 60% of the game,” Alonso reportedly told his close associates. This focus is no coincidence, as the midfield has always been at the heart of his tactical vision. Alonso demands players who can maintain possession, speed up the game, and support the defense. Despite the emergence of Arda Güler and the presence of talents like Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni, Alonso wants more experienced profiles who can handle the pressure of a Clasico or a Champions League semifinal.

Some names are already being linked to Real Madrid: Joshua Kimmich is valued for his versatility, while Bruno Guimarães, known for his box-to-box abilities, matches Madrid’s needs. However, no official contact has been established so far.

👀 A Surprise Reinforcement and a Presidential Move

One intriguing aspect concerns the left-sided central defender position. Although not listed in Alonso’s initial requests, Florentino Pérez is reportedly considering addressing this need ahead of time by targeting a significant player: William Saliba from Arsenal. Known for his athleticism, speed, and adaptability in a three-man defense, Saliba would provide Alonso with valuable tactical flexibility.

Internally, some senior players at Real Madrid were caught off guard by the boldness of these early demands. However, many observers see this decisive stance as Alonso’s way of naturally asserting himself within a star-studded locker room.

🚨 A Heated Summer Ahead

The message is clear: Xabi Alonso does not want to endure a transition phase—he wants to lead it, imposing his vision and high standards right from the start. With a president willing to back him, a high-caliber squad, and the flexibility to maneuver in the transfer market, Real Madrid is preparing to write a new chapter. In this narrative, the midfield and left flank are set to become the cornerstones of a bold and ambitious team.

The first bombshell has dropped, and more may follow. In Madrid, this is just the beginning.