Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso identifies three names he wants Real Madrid to sign – report
A recent report from Fichajes has shed light on how Xabi Alonso is looking to shape his vision for the future at Real Madrid.
With the club fully aware that this season has exposed certain structural weaknesses, Alonso has identified three specific players he would like the board to consider as part of the next phase of the project.
At the top of his defensive wishlist is Ibrahima Konate. The defender’s situation at Liverpool makes him an especially interesting case.
His contract runs out at the end of the season, and that alone has put him firmly on Real Madrid’s radar.
If Liverpool are unwilling to risk losing him for nothing in the summer, January could force them into talks.
That scenario would significantly reduce the cost of the operation and fits perfectly with Florentino Perez’s long-standing preference for smart, well-timed deals.
Two more targets
The midfield picture, however, is far more complex. Angelo Stiller is admired internally, but his arrival is anything but straightforward.
Real Madrid see him as a player with quality and tactical discipline, yet his signing is directly linked to a major exit in midfield.
Only the departure of Dani Ceballos or Eduardo Camavinga would open the door to such a move.
At present, that scenario is not being considered, and the club believes there are alternatives with higher competitive ceilings in both the medium and long term.
As things stand, Stiller’s name is close to being crossed off, particularly for the short term.
Lastly, the third name on Alonso’s list is perhaps the most telling. The Real Madrid coach does not hide his admiration for Florian Wirtz.
Alonso knows the player better than most from their time together at Bayer Leverkusen, and that familiarity plays a huge role in his confidence.
While Wirtz’s adaptation to life at Liverpool has not been smooth, Real Madrid view this as a natural adjustment phase rather than a cause for concern.
Not every player shines instantly, and Alonso remains convinced that Wirtz’s talent and creativity are untouched.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid explored moves for Man City and Inter Milan stars before Ibrahima Konate transfer
Real Madrid’s summer activity saw the club bring in Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer. The former Liverpool star was one of many players to join the club in the summer.
While Konate has proven to be a shrewd piece of business, the club have once again lacked depth in central defence.
They have not been helped by the fact that Eder Militao is still out with an injury while David Alaba left in the club in the summer.
Real Madrid chose Ibrahima over Bastoni and Dias
According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid were fairly ambitious in the summer, as far as their defensive reinforcements plans were concerned.
The club had targeted a move for Alessandro Bastoni, which is not a secret at this point as arch rivals Barcelona were also interested. But inter Milan had no desire to sell, and the player ended up remaining at the club.
But one more player Real Madrid were targeting in the summer was Manchester City star Ruben Dias, who is considered one of the best in the Premier League.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid abandoned the pursuit of both Dias and Bastoni in order to chose Konate. It did take a while for Los Blancos to convince the former Liverpool star to jump ship and join Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer.
What’s next for Real Madrid?
Seeing the lack of depth in central defence this season, Real Madrid are once again expected to enter the market for a new centre-back.
Romano had earlier claimed that the club are keen on signing a centre-back, as well as a midfielder for the summer of 2027, with Jarrel Quansah as a potential target.
But given the way Real Madrid have struggled with a lack of options at the heart of the backline, it won’t be surprising to see the club make a move for a new centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window.
It will be equally interesting to see what transpires with the future of Raul Asencio, who is no longer a valued member of the first-team and the club remain determined to offload him in the near future.
