Real Madrid never considered signing 26-year-old midfielder despite Xabi Alonso’s insistence | OneFootball

From the moment Xabi Alonso took charge of Real Madrid, one request consistently appeared in the Spanish press: the need for a true midfield organiser. 

Alonso, known for his positional intelligence and control during his playing career, wanted a player capable of dictating tempo, offering balance, and bringing order to Madrid’s midfield. 

The profile he identified was Martin Zubimendi, then excelling at Real Sociedad.

Reality is far from it

However, according to information shared by Sports Carousel, the reality was very different from what was being reported publicly. 

Despite Alonso’s preference, Real Madrid never seriously considered signing Zubimendi. 

Internally, the midfielder was not viewed as a target, nor as a profile that convinced the club’s sporting management.

The report explains that Zubimendi was never truly “on the table” at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Real Madrid never considered signing Zubimendi. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Even when Alonso mentioned his name after arriving, the club’s stance did not change. 

It is said that in June 2025, Madrid made a brief inquiry, more out of courtesy than genuine intent, to assess whether a move was even possible. By that point, the club already knew the outcome.

Zubimendi had closed the doors

Zubimendi had a long-standing agreement in place with Arsenal, where he had committed to joining Mikel Arteta’s project. 

That decision had been made well in advance, and Real Madrid were fully aware that the player had chosen his next step. 

As a result, there was never any serious push from Madrid’s side to disrupt that agreement.

More importantly, the report stresses that Zubimendi was not a midfielder the club’s hierarchy were convinced by. 

Even when discussing the long-term future of the number five position, his name did not feature in Madrid’s internal planning. Instead, other profiles have been consistently prioritised.