Report: England star still on Real Madrid’s transfer radar as Alonso seeks reinforcements | OneFootball

Real Madrid Planning Amid Youth, Patience and Familiar Questions

Real Madrid’s week unfolded with the kind of flourish that tends to mask deeper, unresolved questions. A 5-1 win over Real Betis brought confidence, clarity and a new name into the conversation, Gonzalo Garcia. The academy graduate’s perfect hat-trick felt symbolic as much as spectacular, a reminder of Madrid’s enduring faith in internal solutions, even as external pressures continue to build. Credit must go to The Athletic for outlining how this performance fits into a broader, more cautious winter picture at the Bernabeu.

Garcia’s emergence has not gone unnoticed. Interest from clubs across England, Germany and Spain has followed quickly, but the intention internally is for the 21-year-old to remain at least until the season’s end. His opportunity has been shaped by circumstance, namely Kylian Mbappe’s absence with a knee injury, yet the execution suggested more than a temporary stand in. It also coincided with a significant exit elsewhere in the squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Gonzalo Garcia steps into spotlight

Endrick’s loan move to Lyon has been one of the winter’s defining stories for Madrid. The 19-year-old Brazilian, signed in summer 2024 for around €60million, was viewed as Garcia’s main competitor for the role of backup No 9. His departure has shifted internal dynamics, while reinforcing the club’s preference for development over short-term recruitment. Garcia’s hat-trick against Betis offered timely validation of that stance, even if the longer-term picture remains uncertain.

Xabi Alonso and unfinished midfield puzzle

Xabi Alonso’s public stance has been measured, but not dismissive of the need for improvement. When asked directly about signings and the absence of a playmaker, he said, “I work with the foundation we have, with the squad we have, and it is my duty to get the most out of them. We are still in the process, with good moments and not-so-good moments. And we are always looking to improve, without naming names.”

That comment reflected a familiar balancing act. Alonso requested further reinforcements in the summer after around €180million had already been spent on four players. None arrived after the Club World Cup, and one coaching staff source told The Athletic they believe the club will not act in January. A senior figure defended the board’s approach, pointing to the youth and retained value of the squad, while suggesting Alonso could extract more from existing resources.

Photo IMAGO

Transfer radar focused on midfield and defence

Internally, Madrid continue to survey the market for defenders and midfielders, even if no decisions are imminent. The Athletic has previously reported interest in Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and AZ’s Kees Smit. There is also growing discussion around Nico Paz, impressing at Como and open to a return only if assured of a meaningful role. Whether that would involve the agreed buy-back of around €9million, or a higher fee, remains unclear.

Other academy products are also under watch, including centre-back Jacobo Ramon and defensive midfielder Chema Andres. The underlying issue persists. Since Toni Kroos retired in 2024, and with Luka Modric leaving last summer, Madrid have lacked a top-level conductor. Voices inside the club insist nostalgia is no solution, arguing that football’s evolution demands a different profile.

No further first-team departures are expected this winter, though loanees such as Mario Martin at Getafe could be sold, with German interest noted. Attention is also turning to contracts. Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba all expire in the summer. Alaba, now 33, is not expected to be renewed, while discussions around Carvajal and Rudiger remain undecided.

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From a Real Madrid supporter’s perspective, this report reads like a familiar chapter in a long-running story. There is pride in seeing Gonzalo Garcia seize his moment, and satisfaction in the club’s continued belief in La Fabrica. Performances like the 5-1 win over Betis reinforce why patience is often rewarded at Madrid, even when the outside world calls for immediate fixes.

At the same time, there is an undercurrent of frustration. The midfield issue has been evident since Kroos stepped away, and it felt sharper once Modric departed. While arguments about avoiding nostalgia are valid, supporters recognise that control, rhythm and authority in big matches still matter deeply. Names like Wharton or Nico Paz spark interest because they hint at balance rather than sentiment.

Xabi Alonso’s comments will resonate with fans who value accountability. He is not deflecting, but neither is he demanding publicly. That restraint aligns with Madrid culture, yet supporters will expect evolution, not just trust. With Atletico ahead in the Supercopa semi-final, and potentially Barcelona beyond, the coming weeks offer a sharp test. Youth, patience and belief remain powerful tools at Madrid, but history suggests they must eventually be complemented by decisive action.