Real Madrid turned down Xabi Alonso’s request for key reinforcement in midfield – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid may be enjoying one of their most active transfer windows in recent years, but not every request from new manager Xabi Alonso is being fulfilled.

According to MARCA, the former midfielder had asked the club to bring in a new playmaker, someone capable of dictating the tempo in the wake of Luka Modric’s exit after the Club World Cup.

However, the club hierarchy had a simple response: “What you have is enough.”

The decision reflects Madrid’s confidence in their current midfield roster, which includes names like Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos.

Despite strong rumours linking the club to players such as Martin Zubimendi and Angelo Stiller, no official move was made, and no serious negotiations ever took place.

Cracks in the midfield

Real Madrid’s reluctance to strengthen their midfield may already be raising questions. In their recent 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup, the midfield looked vulnerable, a point highlighted by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Xabi Alonso asked for a playmaker. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The team dropped too deep, struggled to maintain control, and lacked the creative edge to break down the opposition.

This was precisely what Alonso wanted to fix by adding a natural playmaker. However, with the board convinced that the existing squad is good enough, it appears that no reinforcements will be made in that area, at least for now.

But for now, Real Madrid have made their position clear. There will be no more midfield signings this summer. Alonso will have to work with the tools already at his disposal, even if he feels one key piece is missing.

It is to be noted that for the 2025/26 season, Real Madrid have already made big moves in the market.

The signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono have added strength to other areas of the squad. Mastantuono, however, will only join after the FIFA Club World Cup.