Xabi Alonso warns Real: “This player must stay, otherwise…”

Even before he is officially unveiled as Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso is already making his voice heard behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu. The former midfield maestro, currently working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, appears to be laying the groundwork for his arrival — and his first major demand is clear: keep Arda Güler at all costs.

According to reports from Spanish daily AS, Alonso has identified Arda Güler as a crucial part of the future he envisions at Real Madrid. The Turkish playmaker, just 20 years old, has had a stop-start season under Carlo Ancelotti, often relegated to cameo appearances or left on the bench altogether. But in the eyes of Alonso, Güler is a diamond too precious to part with.

Alonso’s message to the Madrid hierarchy is reportedly unequivocal: Güler must stay. Sources close to the negotiations claim the Leverkusen coach has insisted that letting the youngster go — whether on loan or in a permanent deal — would be a mistake of historic proportions. “This player must stay, otherwise there’s no point in planning a future,” he reportedly said.

This strong endorsement comes on the back of a breakout campaign for Güler, who has finally started to show glimpses of his immense talent. Despite limited minutes, the former Fenerbahçe star has registered five goals and eight assists, making a serious impact whenever given the opportunity. His most recent goal, a curling beauty against Celta Vigo, had pundits and fans alike singing his praises.

Under Ancelotti, Güler’s role remained peripheral. The Italian’s preference for experienced heads in high-stakes matches meant Güler often found himself watching from the sidelines. Yet Alonso, who has a proven track record of developing young talent at Leverkusen, sees the Turkish international as a generational talent that Madrid must nurture, not offload.

What’s more, Güler’s stylistic attributes align perfectly with Alonso’s tactical philosophy. A player blessed with vision, agility, and precision passing, he is tailor-made for the kind of fluid, technical football Alonso promotes. Insiders say that the former Madrid midfielder has already drawn up early plans for how he will integrate Güler into a more dynamic and youthful midfield.

There had been speculation in recent months that Güler could be sent out on loan, with several La Liga clubs and Premier League sides showing interest. Villarreal, Sevilla, and even Brighton were rumored to be circling. However, Alonso’s firm intervention appears to have shifted the narrative. Real Madrid are now expected to halt any loan considerations and keep Güler within the first-team setup.

Alonso’s advocacy for Güler is also symbolic. It signals a new era at Real Madrid — one where young, technically gifted players are not just seen as future investments, but as immediate contributors. For a club often criticized for underusing their youth prospects, this could be the change fans have long hoped for.

Moreover, Güler himself is believed to be delighted by Alonso’s support. The youngster, who turned down offers from several top clubs to join Real Madrid last summer, has always dreamed of making it big in the white shirt. Alonso’s public backing could be the confidence boost he needs to finally cement his place in the squad.

In a recent interview, Güler spoke about his time at Madrid, acknowledging the challenges but expressing his commitment: “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning every day. I know my time will come.” With Alonso potentially arriving, that time may be sooner than expected.

Club president Florentino Pérez, who sanctioned the €20 million transfer of Güler last summer, is said to be in full agreement with Alonso. Madrid’s recruitment strategy has shifted in recent years toward young stars — think Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick — and Güler fits that mold perfectly.

Alonso’s push to retain Güler is also a subtle shot at the old guard. While he respects Ancelotti’s legacy, Alonso appears ready to move past a system that has sometimes stifled creative young talents. His Real Madrid will likely be one built on energy, youth, and innovation — with players like Güler at its heart.

While official confirmation of Alonso’s appointment is still pending, all signs point toward an imminent announcement. With Brazil finalizing Carlo Ancelotti’s deal, the coaching transition at Madrid is now a matter of time. And Alonso is wasting none of it in asserting his vision.

If he succeeds in keeping Güler and unlocking his full potential, it could prove to be one of his first and most important victories in the Real Madrid dugout. The fans have already started to warm up to the idea, especially after Güler’s recent performances.

With a new coach, a youthful core, and a clear long-term vision, Real Madrid seems poised for another era of dominance — one that could begin with Xabi Alonso and Arda Güler leading the charge. The future, it seems, is already knocking at the Bernabéu’s door.

Will Madrid listen to Alonso’s early warning? That remains to be seen. But if the past is any indicator, ignoring the Basque tactician’s advice may be a risk the club can’t afford to take.