Xabi Alonso surprises everyone inside Real Madrid and demands that Pérez sign Vinícius’s rival!

In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the Real Madrid boardroom, soon-to-be head coach Xabi Alonso has made an unexpected and bold demand: he wants club president Florentino Pérez to sign a direct rival to Vinícius Júnior—Manchester City’s midfield powerhouse, Rodri.

This revelation comes from high-profile Spanish media outlets, which report that Real Madrid is looking to fortify its midfield ahead of the summer 2025 transfer window. The move comes as a response to a generational shift within the squad, following the confirmed departure of Croatian legend Luka Modrić and the looming exit of German maestro Toni Kroos.

Alonso, who has enjoyed immense success with Bayer Leverkusen and is now poised to take over the Bernabéu reins, is reportedly adamant that a new midfield general is needed. His preferred candidate? Rodri—widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

Sources close to the club say Alonso believes that Rodri would bring the perfect balance to a Madrid side brimming with attacking flair but lacking in defensive structure and leadership in the center of the park. He is said to admire Rodri’s tactical intelligence, ball retention skills, and ability to dictate tempo, all traits that made him a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine.

Florentino Pérez, according to the report, is taking Alonso’s request seriously. With the club already having secured the signature of French sensation Kylian Mbappé, Pérez is keen to continue building a super team capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe. Adding Rodri to the mix would certainly be a statement of intent.

However, this potential signing has sparked tension behind the scenes, particularly with Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian winger, who has been one of Madrid’s standout performers over the last two seasons, reportedly feels threatened by Rodri’s possible arrival. Although they play in different positions, Vinícius believes the signing of a Spanish superstar—especially one with Ballon d’Or status—could overshadow his own rising stardom.

It’s important to highlight that Rodri was the surprise winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, an award many felt should have gone to Vinícius himself. The tension from that decision still lingers, and the possibility of being teammates may only intensify the underlying rivalry.

Rodri’s current situation at Manchester City may work in Madrid’s favor. The midfielder has been sidelined with a long-term injury and is only now beginning his rehabilitation. If he manages to return to his best form before the transfer window opens, Real Madrid is expected to launch an immediate bid.

Alonso is not merely targeting Rodri for his individual brilliance. He is reportedly building a team designed for high-tempo pressing, intelligent positional play, and smooth transitions—principles he has instilled at Leverkusen. For such a system, a midfield anchor like Rodri is not optional but essential.

Behind closed doors, some Real Madrid board members were initially skeptical of Alonso’s recommendation, believing the club should focus on younger, less expensive midfield options. But after reviewing scouting reports and understanding Alonso’s tactical framework, support for the Rodri deal is growing.

Financially, the transfer would not come cheap. Manchester City will demand a high fee, and the player’s salary expectations are substantial. Yet, with Madrid’s wage bill clearing out veterans like Modrić and Kroos, the club might find it feasible to accommodate another superstar.

Still, there’s the Vinícius dilemma. Pérez and Alonso must manage the Brazilian’s ego carefully. After all, he remains one of the club’s main attractions—both for fans and sponsors. A fallout could risk destabilizing the locker room.

In the meantime, Alonso is pressing for early negotiations. He wants Rodri integrated into the squad before pre-season begins, to lay the tactical groundwork early and ensure the Spanish midfielder adapts to his vision quickly.

The story has captured headlines across Spain, not just for the high-profile nature of the names involved, but also for the dramatic narrative of a Madrid legend (Alonso) returning to the club and immediately shaking things up.

Interestingly, some pundits believe Alonso’s bold demand is a power move—an early test of how much influence he will be allowed to exert under Pérez’s reign. By targeting Rodri, a proven but costly asset, Alonso is essentially telling the club: back me with the best, or risk another cycle of inconsistency.

Whether or not the deal materializes, one thing is clear: Real Madrid is preparing for a new era. With Mbappé leading the attack, Alonso on the bench, and perhaps Rodri in midfield, Los Blancos could be poised to redefine European dominance once again.

As for Vinícius, the ball is in his court. Will he rise to the challenge and embrace the competition? Or will he view Alonso’s vision as a threat to his throne at the Bernabéu?

The coming weeks promise high drama in Madrid, with press conferences, transfer rumors, and behind-the-scenes politics sure to dominate the headlines. One thing is certain—Xabi Alonso is not here to play it safe.