Xabi Alonso Settles the Future of One of the Royal Club’s Players Early, and the Farewell Is Now Official!

Following his official appointment as head coach of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has wasted no time making major decisions that will shape the future of the club. As the FIFA Club World Cup approaches—a key early test for the young manager—Alonso has already begun reshaping his squad with clarity and conviction. And the first major casualty of this shift appears to be Álvaro Rodríguez.

The talented Uruguayan striker, once hailed as one of the brightest gems of Real Madrid’s academy, has now found himself on the fringes of Alonso’s plans. According to Mundo Deportivo, journalist Ramón Fuentes has confirmed that Rodríguez is not only excluded from the Club World Cup squad but is also likely to leave the club entirely in the coming weeks.

This decision, while not entirely unexpected, is significant. Rodríguez spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Getafe, where he featured in 26 matches. Despite a modest goal return, he earned the trust of coach José Bordalás, who gave him consistent playing time and helped him adapt to the physical and tactical demands of La Liga football.

However, Xabi Alonso, in preparing for one of the most competitive seasons in Real Madrid’s recent history, seems determined to trim down the squad and streamline his attacking options. That means making tough calls, even when it involves players with high potential and emotional ties to the club.

Álvaro Rodríguez had hoped to return to the Santiago Bernabéu and fight for a place in the first team. His connection to the club runs deep—having risen through the youth ranks and featured sporadically under Carlo Ancelotti. At one point, he was even projected to become Karim Benzema’s long-term successor.

But those dreams appear to be fading. The current reality suggests that Rodríguez’s growth has stalled. Injuries, limited opportunities, and inconsistency in front of goal have contributed to the perception that he is no longer on the upward trajectory expected of a Real Madrid striker.

For Xabi Alonso, whose tactical vision demands versatility, dynamism, and relentless pressing from his forwards, Rodríguez may not fit the mold. The young manager is expected to rely on players like Endrick, Joselu, and possibly a marquee signing in attack, leaving little room for fringe players still trying to prove themselves.

That said, the situation is not without silver linings. Getafe, where Rodríguez found a degree of stability and confidence, is eager to retain the striker. Club president Ángel Torres is said to be a strong admirer of the player, and coach Bordalás has expressed interest in continuing the partnership next season.

Discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding whether Rodríguez will leave on another loan or if Real Madrid will greenlight a permanent transfer. Either way, the departure now feels inevitable. Alonso’s decision has closed the door on a first-team return—at least for now.

Several other La Liga sides have also shown interest in Rodríguez. Clubs such as Rayo Vallecano, Cádiz, and even Real Betis have made inquiries, attracted by the striker’s raw talent and experience at both youth and senior levels. A fresh environment and a defined role could be exactly what Rodríguez needs to reignite his career.

Within the club’s hierarchy, the move is seen as part of a broader strategic reset. Real Madrid is heavily investing in its next generation—players like Arda Güler, Nico Paz, and Endrick represent the future. In this context, letting go of players who are no longer aligned with that vision is a necessary, albeit difficult, process.

Moreover, Alonso is intent on building a competitive squad capable of challenging across all fronts. With a packed calendar that includes La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup, the new coach wants players who are not just talented—but also ready to contribute immediately.

Rodríguez’s departure also signals to the rest of the squad that performances, not past promise, will determine who stays and who goes. It sets a clear tone of meritocracy and competitiveness, qualities Alonso embodies both as a former player and now as a manager.

While Álvaro Rodríguez’s story with Real Madrid may be drawing to a close, his career is far from over. At 20, he still has time to develop into a top-class striker. A move to Getafe or another ambitious La Liga side could offer the minutes and mentorship he needs to take that next step.

As Real Madrid fans process the news, there will be a tinge of disappointment. Rodríguez was one of their own—a product of La Fábrica with undeniable potential. But football, especially at the highest level, waits for no one.

For Xabi Alonso, this decision marks the beginning of what is likely to be a series of bold moves. The message is clear: Real Madrid is entering a new era, and only those fully aligned with the club’s evolving identity will remain part of it.

With the Club World Cup just days away, all eyes will be on Alonso—not only for his tactical decisions on the pitch but also for how he handles the complex human side of management off it. Rodríguez’s departure is the first domino. More are likely to fall.